Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

  • Reflections from the room

    Autism Assessment Across the Lifespan: Why Follow-Up Matters

    Autism assessment is often organised around a single visit, while developmental changes in autistic children and adults may unfold gradually over time. Longitudinal research suggests that some of these changes can go unnoticed, while some apparent changes may reflect something other than development. Repeated assessments can offer insights that a single visit may miss.

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  • Teenage girl and boy walking together in park

    To categorise or not to categorise: the use of transdiagnostic approaches to better understand complexity in neurodevelopment

    Explore the prevalence of neurodevelopmental conditions in children, including ADHD, autism and intellectual disability, and the limitations of categorical diagnosis in capturing individual strengths and support needs.

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  • A boy with autism is stimming

    Autism – the transition to adulthood: Understanding and supporting needs of autistic people

    This session, led by Professor Will Mandy and Dr. Kate Cooper, will bring together researchers, clinicians and autistic experts by experience to improve understanding of the support needs of autistic people during the transition to adulthood. It will present evidence about the challenges autistic young people face as they navigate increasing independence and changing support systems, with a focus on how to promote wellbeing and thriving at this life stage.

    Event type
    Session
    Location
    Online
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  • Teenager boy sitting in profile listening attentively within a group with multiethnic young people and teenagers in background participating in discussion

    Rethinking Autistic Camouflaging

    What is autistic masking, and does it always harm wellbeing? Explore new research on camouflaging, impression management, identity, social pressures, and autistic burnout.

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  • Jake Camp

    Adapting DBT-A Skills Training through a Neuroaffirmative Lens

    This online session led by Dr. Jake Camp will explore how neuroaffirmative principles can inform the delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) skills training.

    Event type
    Workshop
    Location
    Online
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  • Jonathan Green 24

    Supporting and enhancing social communication skills in education context

    Through presentations, discussion and practical video-based activities, the session will consider early support and intervention, how adults can respond and adapt to individual children’s communication profiles, and practical approaches that can be applied in educational settings.

    Event type
    Workshop
    Location
    Online
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  • nature and mental health

    Nature and Mental Health: Benefits of Nature for Inpatient Care

    At Marlborough House, an adolescent unit in Swindon, we have been working with nature to improve young people’s wellbeing. Nature-based approaches are increasingly recognised as valuable within CAMHS, including inpatient settings, and Marlborough House has contributed to this growing evidence. In this blog, Dr Gillian Combe, Dr. Liz Challis, and Dr. Catriona Mellor reflect on their work at Marlborough House and explore the growing role of nature and mental health within inpatient care.

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  • Reflections from the room

    Nutritional Risk Beyond Weight in Autistic Children

    Some autistic children eat a very narrow diet for years while their weight and growth stay on track. Because the numbers look reassuring, the nutritional risk underneath can go unnoticed. A stable weight measures whether a child has enough energy. It says little about whether the diet holds everything a body needs, and that gap is where serious harm can build unseen.

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  • teen girl talking to psychologist

    Why Depression May Look Different in Young People with ADHD

    Depression commonly co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When this combination occurs is associated with greater clinical complexity and poorer outcomes. Yet depression in young people with ADHD may not always be straightforward to recognise, some symptoms of depression overlap with ADHD, some may be expressed through irritability, sleep problems, or behavioural difficulties, and young people with ADHD may not always report depressive symptoms in the same way as their parents.

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  • Psychotherapist focusing on a teenager with personal struggles and hormonal shifts in therapy session. Expert listening attentively, providing support for mental and social issues.

    Safeguarding & Suicide Risk in CAMHS: Assessing and Managing Risk in Children and Young People

    This set of talks explores updated best practice in suicide prevention within CAMHS, highlighting a shift toward personalised, collaborative safety assessment, formulation, and management following new 2025 national guidance. It also examines suicidality in autism, multiagency learning from recent cases, and broader safeguarding approaches including child exploitation and forensic CAMHS perspectives.

    Event type
    Introductory and Update Session
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