'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
  • 4.5 (12)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
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These podcasts are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in child and adolescent mental health. They bridge the gap between rigorous research and practical application, featuring expert discussions on mental health. Each episode highlights cutting-edge studies offering insights into findings, and implications for practice. The series caters to clinicians, researchers, and those interested in mental health. Available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, it’s an accessible way to stay informed about advancements in the field. Visit our website for a host of free evidence-based mental health resources.

  1. Mind the Kids - How motor & social skills shape language learning, as captured by genes

    5D AGO

    Mind the Kids - How motor & social skills shape language learning, as captured by genes

    What if a baby’s wobbly reach for a spoon or a make-believe tea party could quietly change the way language unfolds? In this episode of Mind The Kids, “Building Blocks: How motor and social skills shape language learning, as captured by genes” host Mark Tebbs talks with Dr Beate St Pourcain and Dr Ellen Verhoeff from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics about what it really means to develop language in a developing body. Drawing on their JCPP study of over 6,000 children in the ALSPAC cohort, they follow a developmental cascade that starts with early gross motor milestones like sitting and crawling, moves through culturally shaped self-care and pretend-play skills like using a spoon or hosting a tea party, and then flows into vocabulary and grammar between 15 and 38 months. Along the way, they unpack how genetics and environment intertwine, why social interactions and playful routines act as gateways into language rather than just nice “add-ons,” and what this might mean for parents, carers, clinicians and educators who want to support communication in both autistic and non-autistic children. You can read the main JCPP paper discussed in this episode, “Developing language in a developing body: genetic associations of infant gross motor behaviour and self-care/symbolic actions with emerging language abilities” via https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70021 Get a free CPD/CME certificate for listening to this podcast by registering for a FREE ACAMH Learn account at https://www.acamhlearn.org Visit https://www.acamh.org Facebook and LinkedIn search / ACAMH Instagram https://www.instagram.com/assoc.camh Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/acamh.bsky.social X https://x.com/acamh

    46 min
  2. Mind the Kids - Genetic clues to classroom struggles

    FEB 4

    Mind the Kids - Genetic clues to classroom struggles

    Why do some children find learning a little harder, and could their genes hold part of the answer? In this episode of Mind the Kids, entitled ‘Genetic clues to classroom struggles’, host Mark Tebbs talks with Dr. Marie-Pier Larose from the University of Turku about her recent JCPP paper. They delve into how children’s genetic predispositions—especially those linked to attention and behaviour—can influence how they learn and thrive in school. Marie-Pier shares insights from a major international study exploring the connection between early attention difficulties, mental health, and academic achievement. The discussion highlights the power of early support, the role of teachers and parents, and why understanding these genetic clues can help children reach their full potential—both in the classroom and beyond. For more details read the JCPP paper ‘Associations between genetic predisposition to mental health problems and academic achievement: a developmental perspective using two population-based cohorts’ Marie-Pier Larose, Isabel Schuurmans, Edward D. Barker, Liliana Garcia Mondragon, Henning Tiemeier, Irwin Waldman, Charlotte Cecil. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70043 Get a free CPD/CME certificate for listening to this podcast by registering for a FREE ACAMH Learn account at https://www.acamhlearn.org Visit https://www.acamh.org Facebook and LinkedIn search / ACAMH Instagram https://www.instagram.com/assoc.camh Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/acamh.bsky.social X https://x.com/acamh

    27 min
  3. Mind the Kids - Energized or at risk? Distinguishing subclinical hypomania in adolescents

    JAN 28

    Mind the Kids - Energized or at risk? Distinguishing subclinical hypomania in adolescents

    Energized, driven, “on a high” – or at the edge of something more serious? This Mind the Kids episode, “Energized or at risk? Distinguishing subclinical hypomania in adolescents”, explores how to tell the difference between healthy teenage intensity and something more problematic.  Host Mark Tebbs talks to Dr. Georgina Hosang about the topic of hypomania, as she draws on her expertise and research. The conversation unpacks what hypomania can look like at home and at school, how it overlaps with typical mood swings and ADHD, and other conditions, and which red flags suggest it’s time to seek specialist help.​ Listeners will hear practical guidance on what parents, carers, teachers, and young people themselves can watch for, how to talk about concerns without stigma, and why early recognition matters for safety, learning, and long‑term wellbeing.  This episode is for anyone supporting adolescents who seem unusually “switched on”, wired, or risk‑taking – and who wants clear, compassionate advice on when to simply ride the wave, and when to seek assistance. For more details read the JCPP paper ‘Subclinical hypomania, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diagnoses: phenotypic and aetiological overlap’ by Georgina M. Hosang et al. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70045Get a free CPD/CME certificate for listening to this podcast by registering for a FREE ACAMH Learn account at https://www.acamhlearn.org Visit https://www.acamh.org Facebook and LinkedIn search / ACAMH Instagram https://www.instagram.com/assoc.camh Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/acamh.bsky.social X https://x.com/acamh

    42 min
  4. Mind the Kids -When language surprises: unexpected bilingualism in autism

    JAN 21

    Mind the Kids -When language surprises: unexpected bilingualism in autism

    How can a child suddenly start speaking a language no one around them uses? This Mind the Kids episode, “When language surprises – unexpected bilingualism in autism” dives into the striking phenomenon of autistic children spontaneously acquiring and using a language that is absent from their home, school, and social world. Drawing on new research, host Mark Tebbs speaks to David Gagnon, and Dr. Alexia Ostrolenk, on this topic, and their JCPP paper. With minimally speaking autistic children, the discussion explains what unexpected bilingualism is, why it challenges traditional ideas about the role of social interaction in language learning, and how it can reveal an alternative pathway into language. Listeners will hear how parents first notice these surprising language skills, why they may be both confusing and hopeful, and what this means for supporting communication and designing interventions. The episode offers clear take home messages for families, educators, and clinicians on recognising hidden abilities, following a child’s interests (from letters and numbers to YouTube subtitles), and rethinking “plateau” periods as times of invisible but important development. For more details read the JCPP paper ‘Early manifestations of unexpected bilingualism in minimally verbal autism’ David Gagnon, Alexia Ostrolenk, Laurent Mottron https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70032 Get a free CPD/CME certificate for listening to this podcast by registering for a FREE ACAMH Learn account at https://acamhlearn.org/Home

    46 min
  5. Mind the Kids - Irritability in teens, more than a phase

    JAN 14

    Mind the Kids - Irritability in teens, more than a phase

    How can you tell when teen irritability is ‘just a phase’ and when it is a sign that something more serious is going on? In this episode of Mind the Kids, titled ‘Irritability in Teens More Than a Phase’ host Mark Tebbs talks with Dr Jamilah Silver, Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, whose work focuses on irritability, emotion regulation, and early emerging risk for psychopathology. Together they explore why adolescence is a ‘perfect storm’ for irritability, how it shows up in daily life at home and at school, and when persistent anger, conflict, and moodiness start to impair sleep, friendships, and learning. Jamilah shares findings from a large multinational study of adolescents across nine countries, revealing how common chronic irritability is worldwide and how it links to bullying, depression, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction. The conversation also unpacks gender differences, classroom red flags for teachers, and why clinicians are beginning to treat irritability as a transdiagnostic “front door” signal that deserves earlier screening and support. Whether you are a parent, educator, or clinician, this episode offers practical ways to spot when irritability has tipped from typical teen behaviour into something that may need specialist help. For more details read the CAMH paper “A large multinational study of irritability in adolescents” Jamilah Silver, Ellen Leibenluft, Wan-Ling Tseng, Daniel N. Klein, Pablo Vidal-Ribas, Reut Naim, Praveetha Patalay, Eoin McElroy, Argyris Stringaris https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.70008  Get a free CPD/CME certificate for listening to this podcast when you register a FREE ACAMH Learn account at https://acamhlearn.org/Home

    28 min
  6. Mind the Kids: Cannabis - Context is everything

    JAN 7

    Mind the Kids: Cannabis - Context is everything

    This episode of “Mind the Kids” offers a deeply nuanced discussion on cannabis use and abuse within family contexts and among adolescents. Hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmour and Professor Umar Toseeb, it features expert guests Professor Shelby Steuart and Victoria Bethel, who unpack the complexities of medical versus recreational cannabis, the evolving legal landscape in the US, and associated risks—especially for young people. The conversation explores how legalization affects availability and accidental exposures, the potency of cannabis products, and the challenges of regulation and safety. Listeners hear about the social and environmental factors influencing adolescent behavior, the balance of risks and potential benefits, and practical insights into harm reduction. Importantly, the episode emphasizes the need for data-led, non-judgmental approaches to understanding and responding to cannabis use among youth in a changing policy environment. It provides valuable takeaways for academics, clinicians, parents, and policymakers interested in child and adolescent mental health within the context of evolving cannabis laws. More informationCannabis and pediatric cannabis exposure – evidence from America's Poison CentersShelby R. Steuart, Victoria Bethel, W. David Bradford https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70058

    43 min
  7. Mind the Kids: Depression Symptoms - Should Fatigue be in the Major League?

    12/30/2025

    Mind the Kids: Depression Symptoms - Should Fatigue be in the Major League?

    This episode ‘Depression Symptoms - Should Fatigue be in the Major League?’ extends well beyond clinical perspectives to offer a vivid, human portrayal of what fatigue truly means for young people experiencing depression. By the end of the episode, listeners gain a clear understanding of why fatigue is significant, the scientific revelations about its impact, and how young people themselves wish for their voices and struggles to be acknowledged—inviting reflection, debate, and a renewed commitment to innovation in youth mental health care.Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney joins Dr. Jane Gilmour and Professor Umar Toseeb in an open, insightful discussion that blends lived experience with the latest research. The conversation encourages listeners to look beyond clichés—emphasising that fatigue is not simply ‘being tired’ but a profound, subjective exhaustion that rest does not alleviate, and which profoundly affects motivation, self-concept, and daily activities.Personal accounts reveal fatigue as both a physical and mental force—sometimes striking without warning, often unseen by others, yet disruptive to education, friendships, and self-esteem. Listeners learn how this ‘all-encompassing’ symptom can generate feelings of guilt and social isolation, exacerbated by misunderstandings from peers and even healthcare professionals. The episode adeptly explores the blurred distinctions between fatigue, tiredness, and executive function challenges such as procrastination, considering how depression complicates these concepts.The discussion further examines how current therapies address fatigue—whether they focus on general depression or also reduce fatigue as a distinct symptom. Nina’s research offers promising insights: whether through psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy, or psychoanalytic methods, treating depression in adolescence can alleviate fatigue; however, more nuanced, targeted interventions may yield even better outcomes.

    38 min
  8. Inside the CAMHS Digital Lab: Apps AI and Young People's Mental Health

    12/23/2025

    Inside the CAMHS Digital Lab: Apps AI and Young People's Mental Health

    In this episode of Mind the Kids, host Dr. Clara Faria sits down with Dr. Alice Wickersham, Zoe Frith, and Professor Johnny Downs from the CAMHS Digital Lab at King's College London to explore how digital innovation is transforming child and adolescent mental health services. The conversation delves into their groundbreaking work bridging the gap between research and real-world practice, addressing the critical challenge of implementing digital mental health technologies in clinical settings.​ The team discusses their multi-faceted approach to digital mental health innovation, including developing user-centered digital therapies and assessment tools, creating apps like My Journey and My Health that engage young people at the point of referral, and pioneering electronic health record linkage between CAMHS and education systems. They share insights on using natural language processing to extract meaningful clinical information from patient notes, reducing administrative burden through ambient voice technology for clinical assessments, and engaging schools and young people through creative partnerships like their collaboration with Elstree Screen Arts Academy.​ This episode offers a comprehensive look at how digital technologies can address waiting lists, improve research participation, and provide better outcomes for young people facing mental health challenges. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, policymaker, or anyone interested in the future of child mental health services, you'll gain valuable insights into the practical challenges and exciting possibilities of digital mental health innovation.​ For details on CAMHS Digital Lab visit https://www.camhsdlab.co.uk/

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

These podcasts are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in child and adolescent mental health. They bridge the gap between rigorous research and practical application, featuring expert discussions on mental health. Each episode highlights cutting-edge studies offering insights into findings, and implications for practice. The series caters to clinicians, researchers, and those interested in mental health. Available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, it’s an accessible way to stay informed about advancements in the field. Visit our website for a host of free evidence-based mental health resources.

Information

  • Creator
    The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    386
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

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