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.

25 February 2026

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in Children and Young People: Current Evidence and Clinical Approaches

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in Children and Young People: Current Evidence and Clinical Approaches   Short summary Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), often begin in childhood or adolescence and can be associated with marked distress, impaired school functioning, family disruption, and increased risk of comorbidity and co-occurring symptoms.

16 February 2026

Are we over-pathologising young people’s mental health? CAMH Journal Debate

Building on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) journal debate series, the session will bring together contrasting perspectives on diagnostic trends and their interpretation in child and adolescent mental health. The debate includes Sami Timimi, Professor Kapil Sayal, and Professor Rachel Hiller.

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

Eating Disorders in Young People: Advancing Evidence and Practice – 2025 Judy Dunn International Conference

Join us for the 2025 Judy Dunn International Conference, bringing together leading experts to share the latest evidence and clinical insights on eating disorders in young people. This year’s programme will explore current research and innovations in understanding these conditions and their treatment, offering delegates deeper perspectives to inform their work with children and adolescents.

Event type

Judy Dunn International Conference

Adolescence at Risk: Online Misogyny, Mental Health, and the Urgent Need for Action

What is online misogyny? How do adolescent boys engage with the Manosphere? What are the implications for policy and practice? Dr. Arianda Albajara Saenz explores it’s impact on youth mental health.

28 July 2025

Supporting Families of Trans Youth: A New Toolkit Rooted in Lived Experience

A new community-based participatory study highlights the importance of family support in improving mental health outcomes for transgender and nonbinary youth. Co-created digital stories reveal how open communication, shared reflection, and inclusive family involvement can reduce isolation, foster empathy, and build stronger connections. The result is a flexible toolkit designed for both professionals and caregivers.

8 July 2025

From Isolation to Intervention: Loneliness and Youth Mental Health

This Loneliness Awareness Week, please explore the FREE learning opportunities available on our website and ACAMH Learn and do share with your networks.

9 June 2025

Debate – Where to next for universal school-based mental health interventions?

We are delighted to announce the inaugural CAMH journal debate on universal school-based mental health interventions. The session will be chaired by Prof Umar Toseeb, featuring a panel of leading experts — Dr. Lucy Foulkes, Jack Andrews, Prof. Bronwynè Coetzee, Dr. Louise Birrell, and Dr. Emma Carter who authored recent debate papers on universal school-based mental health interventions in the CAMH journal.

Mental Health and Parenthood – Maternal Mental Health Matters

This Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage you to explore the FREE learning opportunities available on our website and ACAMH Learn, and to share with your networks.

7 May 2025