RecruitingInterventional

A feasibility study of a combined mental health and neurodevelopmental assessment for young people in crisis services

Many young people who need urgent mental health support for self-harm or suicidal thoughts may also have undiagnosed neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism or ADHD. Currently, getting assessed for these differences can take a long time, meaning young people often wait months or years for answers. This study, based in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, is testing a new assessment pathway. Once the immediate crisis has passed, young people will receive a combined assessment that looks at both their mental health and possible neurodivergence together. Researchers want to see if this joined-up approach is practical, helpful, and comfortable for young people and their families. Taking part involves answering questions about development, attending an assessment clinic, and receiving personalised feedback. The findings will help researchers understand if this service should be rolled out more widely across the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Glasgow

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2027

Neurodivergence. Mental health, suicidality, self harm

What is this study about?

When a young person faces a mental health crisis involving self-harm or suicidal feelings, urgent NHS services step in to keep them safe. Doctors and nurses often notice that some of these young people think, communicate, or experience the world differently. These differences can be signs of neurodivergence, such as autism, ADHD, or language difficulties. When these traits are not recognised, life can feel overwhelming, which can sometimes contribute to a mental health crisis.

Normally, assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions happen through separate waiting lists that can take a very long time. This means young people often leave crisis care without a clear understanding of why they might be struggling or what kind of everyday support they actually need. This study aims to change that by testing whether it works well to check for these traits at the same time as providing crisis follow-up care.

The project is taking place within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, in partnership with the University of Glasgow. By testing this combined assessment with a small group of families, researchers hope to learn whether the process runs smoothly and whether young people, parents, and healthcare staff find it useful. If the results are positive, this approach could be tested on a larger scale across the UK.

Key takeaways

Tests a combined mental health and neurodiversity assessment for teens in crisis.
Aimed at 12 to 17-year-olds who may have unrecognised conditions like autism or ADHD.
Takes place with NHS Ayrshire and Arran CAMHS between June 2026 and June 2027.
No new medicines are involved; participation focuses on questionnaires, an assessment, and feedback.
Taking part is completely voluntary and will not affect standard NHS support.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for young people aged 12 up to their 18th birthday who have recently contacted NHS CAMHS crisis services because of self-harm or thoughts of suicide. Clinicians must feel that the young person might have an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental difference, like autism or ADHD, and the young person and their family must be willing to take part.

The study is not suitable for young people who already have a formal neurodevelopmental diagnosis. It is also not open to those who need an immediate stay in a hospital psychiatric ward, or who are experiencing active psychosis, severe confusion, or intoxication. Additionally, it cannot include young people with a known intellectual disability, those needing a fetal alcohol spectrum assessment, or those who need an interpreter.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

The young person is aged between 12 and 17 years old.
They have recently been seen by crisis services for self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
A doctor or nurse thinks they may have undiagnosed neurodivergent traits (like autism or ADHD).
They do not already have an established diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or an intellectual disability.
They are safe to be supported in the community and do not require immediate hospital admission.
Both the young person and their parent or carer agree to take part.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part begins after the immediate mental health crisis has been safely managed by the CAMHS team. First, families will complete a questionnaire about the young person's childhood, development, and day-to-day behaviours.

Next, the young person and their parent or carer will attend a detailed neurodevelopmental assessment appointment with an experienced clinician. After this session, the team will provide direct feedback explaining their findings, along with recommendations to help understand the young person's strengths and support needs.

Finally, participants will be invited to fill out a short survey about what they thought of the process, and they can optionally take part in an interview to share their views in more detail. There are no new medicines tested in this study, and all sessions take place within NHS Ayrshire and Arran services between June 2026 and June 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

A main benefit of taking part is receiving an early, structured check for neurodivergent traits, which can give families a clearer picture of the young person's unique needs and strengths. It also gives young people a chance to help improve future NHS crisis care. The main risk is that talking about personal feelings, past struggles, and mental health can sometimes feel upsetting or tiring. However, all assessments are run by trained, caring mental health professionals who can pause or offer support whenever needed. Taking part is completely voluntary, and families can stop at any time without it affecting their normal NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran
City only
Ayr, Scotland

Common questions

Does this study involve taking any new medications?

No. This study only looks at how assessments and conversations are carried out. It does not involve any experimental drugs or changes to your current medicines.

Will taking part guarantee a formal diagnosis?

The assessment will explore whether neurodivergent traits are present and provide helpful feedback and guidance. However, it is a feasibility trial, and your clinician will explain what the results mean for your formal care pathway.

What happens if I start to feel upset during the sessions?

The staff are experienced CAMHS clinicians. You can ask for a break, skip questions, or stop the appointment at any time, and support will be right there for you.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. Joining is completely voluntary. You and your family can withdraw at any point without giving a reason, and your regular NHS care will continue as normal.

Where do the study appointments take place?

Appointments take place locally through the NHS Ayrshire and Arran CAMHS team in Scotland.

How to find out more

Jason Lang

jason.lang@glasgow.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.