Neuodevelopmental disorders
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Experience-Sensitive Approach to Neurodivergence
Clinical environments are often organised around neurotypical/general population expectations of communication, attention, pacing, and sensory tolerance. For neurodivergent people, including autistic individuals, people with ADHD, these expectations can increase distress, reduce engagement, and shape how behaviour is interpreted by clinicians.
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Maltreatment, Trauma-Related Disorders, and Their Interplay with Neurodivergence
Prof Helen Minnis leads a session about the trauma and stressor related disorders of childhood, known as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). These are disorders thought to be ‘caused’ by maltreatment (abuse and neglect). We aim to raise your awareness about RAD & DSED and to enable you with the skills to recognise associated behaviours in children and young people who you work.
- Event type
- Advanced session
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What Is Autism Now?
Autism was first described as a clinical condition in the mid-twentieth century and was long considered of low prevalence. Since the 1990s, autism prevalence has increased substantially, particularly in high-income countries. This rise has prompted public and professional debate, including concerns of over-diagnosis and suggestions of an “autism epidemic.” Current research and conceptual analysis suggest that these interpretations are not supported by the available evidence. Instead, changes in diagnostic practices, alongside shifts in social, educational, and economic environments, have reshaped how autism is recognised and understood.
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Meet the expert: Practical techniques for managing social anxiety in everyday clinical work, with Dr. Eleanor Leigh
We caught up with Dr. Eleanor Leigh, Associate Professor and MRC Clinician Scientist Fellow at the University of Oxford, to talk about practical techniques for managing social anxiety in everyday clinical work.
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Current Evidence and Clinical Practice
Research over the past decade have refined our understanding of ADHD epidemiology, neurobiology, diagnosis, and treatment, with growing emphasis on evidence-based assessment, multimodal intervention, and shared decision-making with young people and families.
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Beyond ACEs: When Trauma-Informed Care Misses Neurodivergent Children
Trauma-informed care often overlooks neurodivergence, leading to missed diagnoses and support, as in James’ story. Research shows trauma, neurodevelopmental conditions and adversity frequently co-occur, with “double jeopardy” when both are present. Services must move beyond silos to holistic, person-centred assessment that recognises each child’s unique “make and model.”. Blog by Professor Helen Minnis (pic) and Dr. Ruchika Gajwani.
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Understanding mental health challenges in autism and ADHD: A focus on schools as a source of emotional burden
The aim of this event is to share insights and outputs from Regulating Emotions – Strengthening Adolescent Resilience (RE-STAR), a UKRI-funded research programme which is trying understand why young neurodivergent people are at elevated risk for mental health problems.
- Event type
- FREE live stream
- Location
- FREE live stream
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STEPS in the Community: Pilot Trial Offers Promising Pathways for Autistic Adults Transitioning to Independence
Up to 70,000 autistic teenagers enter adulthood in the US each year, yet many report feeling unprepared for the leap. The Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Success (STEPS) programme is a goal-oriented intervention designed to bridge this gap.
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Neurodiversity: Cutting-Edge Research, Evolving Perspectives, and Effective Innovations – 2025 Jack Tizard Memorial International Conference
‘Neurodiversity: Cutting-Edge Research, Evolving Perspectives, and Effective Innovations’ is the 2025 Jack Tizard Memorial Conference that brings together leading experts to explore neurodiversity research and practices in mental health, genetics and brain development, and lifespan interventions.
- Event type
- Jack Tizard Memorial International Conference
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Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke – Editor in Chief
Editor in Chief, Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke is Professor of Developmental Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience working in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London.
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