Meet Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, a researcher and clinician at The Neuro's听Azrieli Neurodevelopment Clinic.听
Dr. Gobbi's research bridges the gaps between fundamental and clinical research to develop approaches that enhance quality of life for people living with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism.
Here, we discuss the clinic, what motivates her work, and what she hopes to see in the future of neurodevelopmental research and care.
What is your role at the Azrieli Neurodevelopment Clinic?听
Dr. Gobbi: I am a psychiatrist with a subspecialty in neuropsychopharmacology and a PhD in neuroscience and I hold a Canada Research Chair in Therapeutics for Mental Health.
My role is to provide specialized care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who present with severe symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, depression, and extreme emotional dysregulation. I work closely with families, teachers, and caregivers to develop strategies that help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, offering medical and therapeutic options for a meaningful relief.听
Why is the Clinic such an important service?听
In Montreal, access to specialized care for individuals with ASD and complex neuropsychiatric conditions is extremely limited. Many of our patients have co-occurring conditions such as orphan genetic diseases, epilepsy, or other neuropsychiatric syndromes that require highly specialized expertise.
Our clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of doctors who can navigate cases that often lack clear guidelines or established treatments. In many situations, we are working at the cutting edge of medical knowledge, tailoring care based on the latest research and clinical insights.听
"In many situations, we are working at the cutting edge of medical knowledge, tailoring care based on the latest research and clinical insights."
What motivates your work?听
This work is incredibly demanding due to the complexity of these conditions, but even small improvements can make a profound difference. If we can enhance a patient鈥檚 and their family鈥檚 quality of life by even 20%, the impact is immeasurable as well as the reward as a doctor. Nearly 70% of our patients don鈥檛 come alone鈥攖hey arrive with parents, teachers, or caregivers. Treating them feels like treating a whole community, not just an individual.听
On a broader level, autism and neurodevelopmental disorders remain one of the great frontiers in medicine, and the opportunity for discovery, in terms of brain functioning and new treatments, is vast. My vision for the next 10鈥�15 years is to see at least ten new drugs approved specifically for autism, offering more targeted and effective treatments for these individuals.听
"If we can enhance a patient鈥檚 and their family鈥檚 quality of life by even 20%, the impact is immeasurable as well as the reward as a doctor."
What sparked your interest in research on neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism?听
Autism has been a long-standing interest of mine, but for the past 20 years, I worked primarily in a mood disorders clinic. I reached a point where I felt I had mastered that field鈥擨 was in my 鈥榗omfort zone.鈥� When my Chief asked for a volunteer to join the neurodevelopmental clinic, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself and expand into a field where so much remains undiscovered.听
Autism research is at a pivotal moment, and I believe that applying my long-term expertise in psychopharmacology can bring fresh perspectives to treatment and research. There is an urgent need for new approaches, better guidelines, and innovative therapies. I鈥檓 excited to be part of that journey.听
听
About the Azrieli Neurodevelopment Clinic
The Azrieli Neurodevelopment Clinic is a highly specialized clinical service at The Neuro offering expert care for individuals aged 16 and over with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and/or intellectual disabilities. Our clinic is supported by a compassionate multidisciplinary team that includes a neurologist, neurogeneticist, and psychiatrist, all focused on providing personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
Research is a fundamental aspect of our clinic, with ongoing projects designed to enhance our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and develop innovative treatments. We encourage our patients to be part of these research endeavors, contributing to scientific advancements and potentially benefiting from breakthrough therapies.
