'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast cover art

'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcast

By: The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
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About this listen

 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.



© 2025 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. All Rights Reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S6 Ep2: Mind the Kids -When language surprises: unexpected bilingualism in autism

    S6 Ep2: Mind the Kids -When language surprises: unexpected bilingualism in autism
    Jan 21 2026
    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
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    46 mins
  • S6 Ep1: Mind the Kids - Irritability in teens, more than a phase

    S6 Ep1: Mind the Kids - Irritability in teens, more than a phase
    Jan 14 2026
    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
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    28 mins
  • S4 Ep10: Mind the Kids: Cannabis - Context is everything

    S4 Ep10: Mind the Kids: Cannabis - Context is everything
    Jan 7 2026
    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 information
    Cannabis and pediatric cannabis exposure – evidence from America's Poison Centers
    Shelby R. Steuart, Victoria Bethel, W. David Bradford
    https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70058
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    43 mins
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