Overview

My research focuses on understanding and improving how we diagnose and treat developmental disabilities, with a strong emphasis on equity. A major part of my work is dedicated to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and understanding how we diagnose and support children with FASD in BC. I am also interested in how FASD overlaps with the effects of complex trauma experienced in early childhood, recognizing that many children diagnosed with FASD have faced significant adversity.

My goal is to ensure that children with developmental disabilities and their families receive care that is equitable, culturally safe, and compassionate. By identifying and addressing inequalities in how diagnoses are made and treated, I hope to advocate for healthcare practices that better serve our patients and families.

Publications

Effects of maternal depression and prenatal SSRI exposure on executive functions and susceptibility to household chaos in 6-year-old children: prospective cohort study
BJPsych Open
Gurpreet Dhaliwal and Whitney M. Weikum and Alexia Jolicoeur-Martineau and Ursula Brain and Ruth E. Grunau and Tim F. Oberlander
DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2020.73
09/2020

Research

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in BC - Caregiver experiences in obtaining resources and supports for their child in the first year post-diagnosis
The current study explores the lived experiences of caregivers in (1) undergoing a diagnostic assessment for FASD and (2) obtaining services and interventions for their child in the first two years following diagnosis. Using a qualitative approach, the study aimed to identify strengths and gaps in the system with respect to supporting Canadian children with FASD and their families. Interviews explored caregiver experiences with the FASD diagnostic process as well as access to supports and intervention services after diagnosis. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

FASD Provider Perspective Across BC
We are interested in understanding and documenting the experiences and challenges facing providers involved in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) assessments as well as collecting proposed solutions to improve the process in B.C. To this end, we are conducting a research study to engage providers involved in FASD assessments across B.C. to solicit their perspectives on the current FASD diagnosis process, cultural and patient safety, and suggestions for improvement. Data will be conducted via focus groups and interviews with providers across BC who work with the Complex Developmental and Behavioural Conditions Clinic.

Neurocognitive outcomes of Childhood Development Trauma vs FASD: A Scoping Review
This project aims to review the literature to better understand the neurocognitive profile of children who faced developmental or complex trauma this profile compares or contrast to children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The results of this scoping review will be utilized to inform future studies – including a retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with FASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders in the Complex Developmental and Behavioural Conditions program.

Grants

Co-Investigator. Punjabi Kids Health: Creating a Culturally Sensitive Social Media Health Promotion Campaign to Support Parenting Practices for Families of Punjabi Families. Funding Source: McLean Foundation

Co-Investigator. The Rapid Scale-Up of Community-Led Culturally-Congruent Social Media Parental Mental Health Promotion Programs in 7 Key Cultural-Linguistic Groups in Canada. Funding Source: Public Health Agency of Canada

Co-Investigator. Co-Designing a Model for Culturally Inclusive Digital Parenting Resources for Racialized Families: Punjabi Kids’ Health. Funding Source: Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Honours & Awards

2017 - CPS Developmental Pediatrics Trainee Research Award, Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Canadian Pediatric Society