Building Momentum: Shaping the Neurodevelopmental Conditions Community of Practice

“We had a fantastic second meeting of the Community of Practice with some brilliant discussions around research projects and some really interesting contributions to how we want to develop the Community of Practice as a whole. It’s starting to build momentum and we’re very excited about the next steps.”

Dr Jesse Campbell

Co-chair, Neurodevelopmental Condititions Community of Practice

On Friday 23rd May 2025, we hosted the second meeting of the Neurodevelopmental Conditions Community of Practice at the King’s Maudsley Partnership. Clinicians and researchers gathered for an energising session focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing ideas, and improving care for children and young people. This Community of Practice is designed to bring people together across disciplines, services, and lived experience to shape better outcomes through collective action.

“It was a rich and stimulating discussion between clinicians and researchers, with thinking about how to better engage children, young people and families at its heart.”

Dr Ashley Liew

Consultant Paediatric Neuropsychiatrist

Spotlight Session: Predicting Outcomes in ADHD

We were joined by Dr Nicoletta Adamo, who presented her project: “Predicting Outcomes in ADHD: Perspectives and Priorities from Lived Experience.”

This study is exploring whether a tool can be developed to better predict which children with ADHD are likely to experience fewer difficulties and which may need more support. By looking at a combination of personal traits and environmental factors, the research hopes to understand what drives success—and what gets in the way.

To make the tool as accurate as possible, the study also considers whether genetic information or ‘biomarkers’ could play a role. These can be gathered from a simple salvia sample and look at our genetic makeup, and might tell us about likely future health outcomes for a child with ADHD – for example whether a child is likely to experience depression in adolescence, or likely educational attainment. This study is doing a deep dive into understanding if that information was gathered and shared, how it could best be used to aid, not hinder outcomes. The project will launch in July and involve:

Focus groups with young people (16–25), parents, clinicians and teachers
Exploration of how such tools are perceived—including emotional impact and ethical considerations
A co-designed, inclusive approach that ensures personalised support care, not stigma

The Community of Practice discussed the study. We discussed the importance of sharing this information about predicted outcomes in a considered way so they do not have unintended consequences that hinder a child’s potential. There was however much discussion also about the potential of biomarkers being able to improve treatment and preventative care by giving more information to clinical services and policy makers to ensure individuals receive the best possible support.

“I found it particularly helpful to have this as a forum to get feedback on my research and how it can actually be meaningful for the Community of Practice—and to hear from clinicians about what’s helpful and implementable in practice.”

Dr Nicoletta Adamo