The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH)

22/11/2025

Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, making it a sensitive window for experiences that may shape long-term outcomes. A new study from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) project examined whether neuroanatomical variability is linked to early initiation of alcohol, ni****ne, or cannabis.

Drawing on baseline brain images taken before substance use began, the researchers found regionally specific differences in cortical thickness and surface area among early initiators. The findings highlight the complexity of adolescent neurodevelopment and point to the value of large-scale, longitudinal studies in clarifying how brain structure and behaviour unfold together.

Read the full blog to find out more!

Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, making it a sensitive window for experiences that may shape long-term outcomes. A new study from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) project examined whether neuroanatomical variability is linked to early initiation of alcohol, nicoti...

22/11/2025

Fostering positive mental health outcomes in vulnerable children: Pathways to resilience after preterm birth - https://bit.ly/4p3sV51

In this Video Abstract, Dr. Sabrina Twilhaar discusses her co-authored JCPP Original Article ‘Fostering positive mental health outcomes in vulnerable children: Pathways to resilience after preterm birth’.

Watch now to determine the degree of mental health resilience in preterm-born children and identify modifiable factors at individual, parent–child, family, peer group, and neighbourhood levels associated with resilience.

In this Video Abstract, Dr. Sabrina Twilhaar discusses her co-authored JCPP Original Article ‘Fostering positive mental health outcomes in vulnerable children: Pathways to resilience after preterm birth’. Children born preterm (

22/11/2025

Understanding trauma is vital for anyone working with children and adolescents.

This short educational film features young people reflecting on their experience of the Grenfell tragedy, alongside expert guidance from Dr Sian Williams and Dr David Trickey.

Learning objectives include:
- Recognising signs of PTSD and Complex PTSD
- Understanding trauma’s effect on the brain
- Supporting children on their recovery journey

Watch the film from Nip in the Bud to learn more. https://bit.ly/4mUErOH

22/11/2025

Gain fresh perspectives on assessment, treatment, and neural mechanisms—directly from world experts in child and adolescent eating disorders.

The Judy Dunn International Conference 2025 offers a packed programme, from ARFID treatment advances to autism-informed care and neurocognitive models of anorexia.

Book now to secure your place — don’t miss out on CPD, insight, and inspiration. https://bit.ly/3W7odGY

21/11/2025

Picture a young person arriving at their first mental health appointment—uncertain, hopeful, and weighed down by more than their difficulties. Beneath the forms and tools lies something deeper: relationships, trust, and the courage to seek understanding.

In the latest Mind the Kids podcast, host Mark Tebbs explores this balance between evidence and empathy with Dr. Salah Basheer and Dr. Sue Fen Tan. Together, they discuss the promise and challenges of Standardised Diagnostic Assessment (SDA) tools—and how research can meet real-world care.

Tune in to 'Diagnosis with Heart: The Promise and Challenges of SDA Tools' to explore how these approaches can support clinicians, empower families, and keep compassion at the centre of diagnosis. https://bit.ly/4nJepiD

21/11/2025

People often wonder why it is that some children fare better in the face of adversity than others and ask what we can do to promote resilience in high-risk children. This talk considers what we mean by resilience, provides a brief overview of the types of protective factors that might be important, and then provides an example from our own research on resilience in young people who have a parent with depression.

ACAMH members and ACAMH Learn account holders can receive a FREE CPD certificate for watching this recorded lecture. https://bit.ly/4idkfa3

21/11/2025

Between ages 6 and 18, children and adolescents experience huge changes in how they understand, express, and manage their emotions. In this talk, Dr. Bellato traces the development of emotion regulation from the primary school years through adolescence, highlighting key milestones and challenges along the way.

Watch now to explore how brain development, social pressures, and cultural expectations shape emotional skills, and why difficulties often emerge or intensify during adolescence. https://bit.ly/43HJco6

ACAMH members and ACAMH Learn account holders can receive a FREE CPD certificate for watching this recorded lecture.

21/11/2025

Struggling to identify and support students with emerging or intensive needs?

Mental Health in Schools: Practical Strategies for a Stepped, Collaborative Approach
EARLY BIRD OFFER!
https://www.acamh.org/event/mental-health-in-schools/
Join global experts Professor Mark D. Weist, Professor Brian P. Daly, and Associate Professor Joni Williams Splett for a concise three-part course that unpacks the value of school mental health and multi-tiered support systems (MTSS) for student and staff well-being.

21/11/2025

ACAMH Awards 2025 Results – Recognising Advancements in CAMH Research and Practice https://bit.ly/47sbkOu

It is our pleasure to announce the winners of the 2025 ACAMH Awards. To be nominated for an ACAMH Award is a prestigious recognition of those who are at the forefront of the advancement of child and adolescent mental health research and practice. The standard of this year’s nominations was superb.

We would like to congratulate RE-STAR Academic Researchers (Ars) and its Youth Researcher Panel (Y-RP) of King's College London, UCL, Anna Freud and Central for being awarded the 2025 ACAMH Lionel Hersov Memorial Award.

Our congratulations also go to Little Warriors, Be Brave Ranch, Canada for being Highly Commended, and to all those shortlisted in this category. https://bit.ly/47sbkOu

20/11/2025

5 Friendships Skills Every Child Needs to Learn!

Unlock 5 key friendship skills every child needs with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore’s engaging webinar. From £5
Perfect for parents, teachers, and mental health pros. Secure your place now!
https://www.acamh.org/event/five-friendships-skills-for-kids/

20/11/2025

In this talk, Dr. Margaret Sibley presents a systematic review of treatments for adolescents with ADHD, highlighting how the disorder manifests uniquely during this developmental stage and the implications for age-appropriate intervention.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are included if they assess either safety or efficacy. Outcomes examined include ADHD symptoms, functional impairments, and related domains. Dr. Sibley reviews acute and long-term treatment effects, as well as potential moderators. Sixty-three RCTs are identified.

ACAMH members and ACAMH Learn account holders can receive a FREE CPD certificate for watching this recorded lecture. https://bit.ly/3Jwo1yD

20/11/2025

Could poor language skills in early childhood predict multiple learning challenges?

This session explores evidence from a longitudinal study and offers practical screening and intervention tips. The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health presents: Prof Maggie Snowling 'Rethinking Reading Disorders'.

The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health is offering a discounted early bird rate.

https://www.acamh.org/event/rethinking-reading-disorders/