The TANDA study
The TANDA study (Therapeutic Assessment and Neurodivergence Assessment) is an exciting new research project led by the University of Glasgow, in partnership with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Queen Mary University of London.
INTRODUCTION
Research consistently shows that neurodivergent young people face a significantly higher risk of mental health challenges, yet many are overlooked by services built around neurotypical assumptions.
Neurodivergent children and young people (CYP) experience disproportionately high rates of co-occurring mental health difficulties. This overlap often complicates clinical presentations, negatively affects quality of life, and increases demand for mental health services. When this complexity, including underlying neurodivergence and relevant socio-demographic factors, is not adequately recognised, the effectiveness of clinical care may be compromised. Many CYP also experience lengthy delays before their neurodivergence is identified. Integrating early, targeted neurodevelopmental identification into crisis care pathways may therefore offer an effective approach to improving outcomes for this population.
WHAT IS TANDA?
The TANDA study is testing an new approach that combines two things:
1. Therapeutic Assessment a collaborative, supporting conversation designed to help young people understand their discuss and feel more in control.
2. Rapid Neurodevelopmental assessment innovation tools that help experienced clinicians quickly identify signs of neurodivergence in a respectful and holistic way.
By bringing these approaches together within NHS crisis teams, the study hopes to provide quicker answers and more personalised support for young people and their families.
Over 2024-2026, the TANDA study will work with young people, families and NHS clinicians in Ayrshire and Arran to test how this new approach works in practice. The study will explore:
- How acceptable and useful young people and families find this approach.
- How easily the tools can be used in busy NHS crisis services.
- What impact the approach has on care pathways and outcomes.
The findings will inform the design of a larger national trial, with the goal of improving mental health crisis care for neurodivergent young people across Scotland and beyond.
Protocol
Staff and Collaborators
The TANDA study is led by Dr Jason Lang, University of Glasgow.
Co-investigators:
Dr Helen Smith, Clinical Director / Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, NHS Ayrshire and Arran and University of Glasgow.
Annemarie MacRae, Speech and Language Therapist, NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
Professor Dennis Ougrin, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Queen Mary University, London.
Dr Claire Davidson-Jamieson, Speech and Language Therapist, NHS GG&C, and Research Assoicate, Research Associate, University of Glasgow.
Dr Liana Romaniuk, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
Annalise Clelland, Research Assistant, Univeristy of Glasgow.