'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

• S3 Ep3: Mind the Kids - The Human Side of Data: Lessons from the STADIA Study

  In this episode of Mind The Kids, host Mark Tebbs welcomes Professor Kapil Sayal from the University of Nottingham, to explore the landmark STADIA trial, which was published in ACAMH’s Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (JCPP) https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14090.  Together, they unravel how standardized diagnostic assessments, like the DAWBA, might shape the journey for children and young people referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Kapil shares his dual perspective as both a professor and an NHS consultant, explaining how the STADIA trial spanned eight NHS sites across England and deeply involved young people and parents with lived experience. The heart of their conversation is the real-world impact of using structured assessment tools in mental health referrals—do they improve diagnosis, access, or outcomes? Listeners will learn how tools like DAWBA could transform clinical decision-making, listen to find what the study found. Families appreciated the validation and feedback these assessments provided, often using their reports to communicate with schools and GPs. The episode highlights the ongoing challenges in CAMHS—rising demand, long waits, and the need for earlier, more effective support. Mark and Kapil reflect on how research like STADIA can inform future policy, service design, and digital innovation, emphasizing the importance of listening to lived experience. The episode closes with a call for continued research and collaboration to ensure every young person gets the support they need, when they need it. Perfect for parents, clinicians, and anyone interested in the future of youth mental health care.

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• S3 Ep2: Mind the Kids - Is air pollution harming our children’s minds?

  Join host Mark Tebbs as he welcomes Dr. Silvia Alemany, a leading researcher in psychiatry and environmental health, for a compelling conversation about the hidden ways our surroundings shape children’s minds.  In this Mind the Kids episode, ‘Is Air Pollution Harming Our Children’s Minds?’ listeners are taken on a journey through the latest research from Catalonia, Spain, where Dr. Alemany and her team explored how air pollution and the presence of green spaces around schools influence children’s emotional and behavioural well-being. This is evidence in the CAMH journal paper (and part of the CAMH Special Issue) ‘Associations between air pollution and surrounding greenness with internalizing and externalizing behaviors among schoolchildren’ Paper - https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12772 CAMH Special Issue - https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12720 Listeners will hear about the broader context of this research, including the global shift in focus from adult respiratory and cardiovascular health to the developing brains of children. Dr. Alemany shares the inspiration behind her work, the challenges of measuring environmental exposures, and the importance of considering both direct and indirect effects of greenness—whether through cleaner air, opportunities for physical activity, or simply the calming presence of nature. The conversation also touches on the practical implications for urban planning and public health. Dr. Alemany emphasizes that while the effects observed are small, their significance lies in the widespread exposure of children to these environmental factors. She advocates for thoughtful city design, increased green spaces, and policies that reduce traffic near schools, all while ensuring that such changes do not exacerbate social inequalities. For parents, the message is both reassuring and empowering: while environmental factors are just one piece of the puzzle in child mental health, small changes—like choosing routes to school with more greenery or supporting local green initiatives—can make a difference. Dr. Alemany also highlights the need for continued research, especially into how genetics and socioeconomic status may influence vulnerability to environmental risks.

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• S3 Ep1: Mind the Kids - Monitoring versus Knowing: Rethinking the Parent-Child Dynamics

  In this episode of Mind The Kids, our host for this series is Mark Tebbs who welcomes Isabel Aks and Professor William Pelham from the University of California, San Diego, for an insightful conversation on “Monitoring versus Knowing: Rethinking the Parent-Child Dynamics.” Drawing on their recent research published in JCPP Advances (https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.70008), the trio explores what parental monitoring really means today—and why it’s much more than just (as Mark's son says) “another name for spying.” Isabel explains how parental monitoring is often misunderstood as snooping, when in reality it’s about the everyday ways parents stay connected to their children’s lives, from casual check-ins to knowing their friends and routines. William, a clinical child psychologist, highlights the delicate balance between keeping kids safe and respecting their growing independence—especially in the digital age, where technology has transformed how parents and teens interact.  Together, they discuss how trust is the foundation of effective monitoring, and how open communication—not just gathering information—builds stronger parent-child relationships. The conversation also unpacks the evolution of research in this area, shifting focus from simply what parents know to what they actually do to foster connection and care.  With practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is essential listening for parents, clinicians, and anyone interested in the changing landscape of family life. Tune in to discover why intentional, adaptable, and caring approaches to monitoring can help families thrive, even as the world—and childhood—rapidly change. 

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• S2 Ep8: Mind the Kids - Dysgraphia and neurodevelopmental disorders: Insights from research

   Join ACAMH Young Person Ambassador Clara Faria as she speaks with Associate Professor Thomas Gargot, a leading expert in technology-driven mental health solutions for children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions. Professor Gargot, winner of the 2024 ACAMH Digital Innovation Award for Best Digital Intervention, delves into his pioneering research on using electronic tablets and robotics to support children with writing difficulties, such as dysgraphia, and explores the crucial connections between handwriting, learning, and cognitive development.  This episode unpacks innovative digital interventions—including rehabilitative robotic companions and scalable handwriting assessment apps—collaborative efforts between academia and startups, and the challenges and opportunities of implementing tech-based re-education tools in real-world settings. Discover how modern technology is transforming support for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, and what the future holds for evidence-based, accessible interventions.  Whether you're a clinician, educator, parent, or researcher, this conversation offers invaluable insights into how digital innovation is shaping the future of care for children facing neurodevelopmental challenges. 

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• S2 Ep7: Mind the Kids - Navigating Eating Disorders Trauma in CAMHS

  In this Mind The Kids podcast junior doctor Clara Faria brings listeners into the heart of child and adolescent mental health care. In this episode, Clara welcomes Dr. Robyn McCarron, consultant psychiatrist at Cambridge’s Darwin Centre, for a candid conversation about the realities and challenges of inpatient care for young people. Trigger warning: Sensitive topics such as restrictive practices, eating disorders, and trauma are discussed. Listener discretion is advised. Robyn shares her journey revealing how her experiences shaped her belief that traditional models often fall short for the most complex and vulnerable patients. She describes the inpatient ward as a place where young people arrive carrying not just medical diagnoses, but also deep histories of trauma, developmental struggles, and social adversity. Robyn’s approach is rooted in values—respect, safety, and discovery—always striving to minimize harm and empower young people to participate in their own care. The episode explores the delicate balance between necessary interventions, like feeding under restraint for life-threatening eating disorders, and the risk of causing further trauma. Clara and Robyn also discuss the importance of supporting young people to regain independence and rebuild their lives outside the hospital, breaking cycles of readmission. Robyn’s reflections are honest and inspiring, highlighting the privilege and challenge of helping young people navigate some of their darkest moments. This episode is a powerful reminder that mental health care is about more than protocols—it’s about relationships, trust, and the courage to rethink how we support the next generation.

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