The fifth conference of the Centre for ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Across the Lifespan (CANDAL) was held on 16^th May 2018.

The conference was attended by delegates from a range of backgrounds and settings, including healthcare and education professionals, people with lived experience of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions; scientists and graduate researchers.

This diversity was reflected in the programme which included presentations from people working in a range of support services for ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Reflecting on the main messages of the conference, one healthcare professional commented:

“There are many dedicated professionals, parents, service users and charity members who are developing new ways of working and new treatments that will hopefully reduce the impact of disorders such as ADHD, ASD and Tourette’s.”

Another speaker from the Rainbow Parent/Carers Forum commented:

“Parent carers that attended found the content of the day very interesting; that itself can be a means of support to empowering families as well as providing hope to what can be a rather bleak existence battling for 'fit for purpose' services and support.”

And a scientist from the University of Nottingham commented that:

"…It is essential that we share our research and understanding of people on the autism spectrum across the University and with colleagues from a range of partner organisations.”

The main aim of the conference is to bring together stakeholders with different perspectives and experiences. The feedback from the day indicates that the conference achieved its aim. We are already thinking about next year’s programme - anyone interested in finding out more should contact Dr Maddie Groom (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Associate Director of CANDAL) or Professor David Daley (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Director of CANDAL).

You can read more about CANDAL, an Institute of Mental Health Centre of Excellence on our research page.