ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. People on the autism spectrum may have difficulties with social communication, social interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests.

  • 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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  • Florencia Salvarezza

    Early detection and differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders

    This online session led by Florencia Salvarezza will explore early identification and differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, using language as a common thread across different presentations.

    Event type
    Session
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  • 09

    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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  • Catherine Lord

    Autism Assessment Across the Lifespan: Diagnosis, Clinical Challenges, and Measuring Change

    As awareness grows and more individuals seek assessment later in life, demand is increasing for clinicians to develop expertise in autism diagnosis across the lifespan, including nuanced understanding of gender differences in autism, cultural influences, and late or adult diagnosis pathways. Join us at this advanced masterclass with world-renowned expert Professor Catherine Lord.

    Event type
    Masterclass
    Location
    Online
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  • Meng Chuan Lai

    Autism: Camouflaging and Masking (Impression Management) — Evidence and Clinical Implications

    Explore the latest evidence on camouflaging and masking in autism (also known as Impression Management), including developmental considerations, clinical debates, and implications for assessment and support. Led by expert Associate Professor Dr. Meng-Chuan Lai.

    Event type
    Advanced session
    Location
    Online
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  • Autism concept. Lonely little boy covering his ears outdoors 1

    Trauma and Autism: How It Affects Children and Young People

    Autistic children and young people are more likely to experience adversity and traumatic events than their non-autistic peers. Yet, trauma is often missed in autism. Why? Professor Francisco Musich explains.

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  • Ashley Liew

    Meet the expert: Co-occurring conditions in children with intellectual disabilities, with Dr. Ashley Liew

    On 11 and 18 June 2026, ACAMH will host a short course Assessment and Management of Intellectual Disability and Co-occurring Conditions. We caught up with one of the speakers, Dr. Ashley Liew, Consultant Paediatric Neuropsychiatrist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, about the topic, the state of the field, and what attendees can expect.

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  • Kind mother helping her son doing homework in kitchen. Childrens creativity. Portrait of smiling mother helping son with homework in kitchen at home

    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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