Research conducted with neurodivergent young people has inspired the launch of a new toolkit on how to speak with them about co-occurring mental health challenges when they seek support.
The toolkit stems from a co-produced study which used digital storytelling with young people diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome and learning disability, about their experiences seeking mental health support.
The study was led by Dr Patrick Jachyra, a member of our Centre for Neurodiversity and Development, and conducted in partnership with the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada.
The strengths-based toolkit has been designed by neurodivergent young people, parents, researchers, and healthcare providers.
It provides healthcare providers with practical tools and insights to support conversations about co-occurring mental health challenges. This includes links to the digital stories created by neurodivergent young people to improve the understanding of their experiences to deliver compassionate and tailored care.
The toolkit also provides guidance on building partnerships with neurodivergent young people, different ways of communicating, support tools and working with young people to build their support team.
Neurodivergent young people are at higher risks of experiencing co-occurring mental health challenges.
They also experience significant system barriers to access help, support and high quality-care. The toolkit is designed to place neurodivergent young people at the centre of the care they receive.
The research also found that digital storytelling can have well-being benefits for neurodivergent young people.
It also showed that digital storytelling can help neurodivergent young people to communicate according to their individual needs, preferences and abilities.
This is particularly important to support those who communicate in ways other than verbal speech.
See the clinician toolkit, the digital stories and read the research paper in the Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry Advances.
The work also co-designed an Interprofessional Curriculum to enhance compassionate and collaborative care among healthcare providers.
Find out more about the support available if you are a student or staff member of Durham University.
More about Dr Patrick Jachyra, Assistant Professor in our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences and the Centre for Neurodiversity and Development.
Our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked third in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027. Visit our Sport and Exercise Sciences webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The study was a partnership with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health | CAMH and the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network.
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