A feasibility study of a combined mental health and neurodevelopmental assessment for young people in crisis services
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN10396938 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10396938 |
| Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) | 362920 |
| Sponsor | University of Glasgow |
| Funder | NIHR Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration |
- Submission date
- 15/06/2026
- Registration date
- 17/06/2026
- Last edited
- 16/06/2026
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Many children and young people who come to mental health crisis services because of self-harm or suicidal thoughts may also have underlying neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism, ADHD, language and communication differences, dyslexia or dyspraxia. These differences are often not recognised at the time of the crisis and many young people wait a long time for further assessment.
This study aims to find out whether it is practical and acceptable to combine a therapeutic crisis assessment with a rapid assessment of possible neurodevelopmental differences. We want to understand whether this approach is helpful for young people, families and clinicians, and whether it could be tested in a larger study in the future.
Who can participate?
Children and young people aged 12 to 18 years who:
1. Have recently presented to a crisis mental health service because of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
2. Are thought by clinicians to possibly have an underlying neurodevelopmental difference that has not yet been formally identified.
3. Are able to provide consent or assent to take part, together with their parent or carer where appropriate.
What does the study involve?
Families who are interested in taking part will be invited to meet with a study clinician after their initial crisis has been managed.
If they decide to participate, they will:
1. Complete a questionnaire about the young person’s development and behaviour
2. Attend a neurodevelopmental assessment appointment
3. Receive feedback and recommendations based on the assessment
4. Be invited to complete a short survey about their experience
5. Have the option of taking part in an interview to discuss their views of the assessment process
Clinicians involved in delivering the assessments may also be asked to provide feedback about their experiences of using the approach.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Possible benefits include:
1. Receiving a structured assessment of possible neurodevelopmental differences
2. Gaining a better understanding of the young person’s strengths and support needs
3. Helping researchers improve services for future children and families
The study is not expected to involve significant risks beyond those associated with discussing personal experiences and mental health difficulties. Some participants may find parts of the assessment or interview emotionally sensitive. Clinicians conducting the assessments are experienced professionals and appropriate support will be available if needed.
Participation is entirely voluntary and families can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting their care.
Where is the study run from?
The study is being carried out through NHS Ayrshire and Arran in partnership with the University of Glasgow. Recruitment will take place through the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Urgent and Acute Intervention Team in Ayrshire.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
June 2026 to June 2027.
Who is funding the study?
The study is funded through a research grant awarded to the University of Glasgow and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
Who is the main contact?
Dr Jason Lang
Chief Investigator
University of Glasgow and NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Jason.Lang@glasgow.ac.uk
Contact information
Principal investigator, Public, Scientific
University of Glasgow
School of Health and Wellbeing
Clarice Pears Building
90 Byres Road
Glasgow
G12 8TB
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-7955-4019 |
|---|---|
| jason.lang@glasgow.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Allocation | N/A: single arm study |
| Masking | Open (masking not used) |
| Control | Uncontrolled |
| Assignment | Sequential |
| Purpose | Diagnostic, Supportive care |
| Participant information sheet | 49715 TANDA Participant Information Sheet - Adult v1.3 05Jan2025.pdf |
| Scientific title | Therapeutic Assessment and Neurodivergence Assessment |
| Study acronym | TANDA |
| Study objectives | Primary objective: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of combining Therapeutic Assessment with a rapid neurodevelopmental assessment pathway for children and young people presenting to crisis mental health services with self-harm and/or suicidal ideation. Secondary objectives: 1. To assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants within the study pathway 2. To evaluate the acceptability of the assessment process to children and young people, parents/carers, and clinicians 3. To assess the feasibility of collecting clinical, service and outcome data required for a future larger-scale study 4. To explore whether the assessment pathway can identify previously unrecognised neurodevelopmental differences in young people presenting in crisis 5. To examine changes in participant and family understanding of the young person’s strengths, needs and support requirements following assessment and feedback 6. To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing the assessment pathway within routine clinical services 7. To generate preliminary data to inform the design, methodology and sample size calculations of a future definitive evaluation study |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 19/01/2026, West of Scotland REC4 (Research Ethics – Room 29, 2nd Floor Administration Building, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0XH, United Kingdom; +44 141 314 4485; ggc.wosrec4@nhs.scot), ref: 25/WS/0190 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Neurodivergence. Mental health, suicidality, self harm |
| Intervention | Participants will receive a combined assessment pathway consisting of: 1. Therapeutic Assessment (TA) – a collaborative, brief therapeutic approach designed to help young people and families develop a shared understanding of the difficulties leading to the crisis presentation, identify key concerns and goals, and support engagement with services 2. Rapid Neurodevelopmental Assessment – a structured assessment of possible neurodevelopmental differences using the ESSENCE-D screening framework alongside a neurodevelopmental observational assessment and clinical history. This assessment aims to identify patterns of neurodevelopmental strengths and differences that may contribute to the young person’s presentation and support needs 3. Collaborative Feedback Session – participants and families will receive feedback from the assessment, including a shared formulation, discussion of findings, and recommendations for future support and care The assessment process typically involves approximately 90 minutes of direct assessment activity, although this may vary slightly between participants. Participants are followed up after completion of the assessment pathway and invited to complete a survey and optional qualitative interview. Follow-up is expected to conclude approximately four weeks after the assessment process has been completed. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) | |
| Completion date | 01/06/2027 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 12 Years |
| Upper age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 50 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Children and young people aged 12 years to 17 years 12 months 2. Presentation to crisis services following self-harm and/or suicidal ideation 3. Identified as potentially neurodivergent through clinical judgement and/or previous referral to a Neurodevelopmental Service 4. Participant and family willing and able to provide informed consent/assent as appropriate |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Requiring immediate inpatient psychiatric admission 2. Therapeutic Assessment deemed clinically inappropriate, including: 1.1. requirement for an interpreter 1.2. pre-existing intellectual disability 1.3. need for assessment of possible intellectual disability or FASD 1.4. psychosis or significant reality distortion 1.5. intoxication or inebriation 1.6. immediate risk of serious violence or suicide requiring admission 3. Existing established neurodevelopmental diagnosis 4. Lack of capacity to provide informed consent or assent |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/06/2026 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/03/2027 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- Scotland
Study participating centre
10 Arthur Street
Ayr
KA7 1QJ
Scotland
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | version 1.3 | 05/01/2025 | 16/06/2026 | No | Yes |
| Protocol file | version 2.4 | 01/08/2025 | 16/06/2026 | No | No |
Additional files
- 49715 TANDA STUDY PROTOCOL v2.4 01Aug2025.pdf
- Protocol file
- 49715 TANDA Participant Information Sheet - Adult v1.3 05Jan2025.pdf
- Participant information sheet
Editorial Notes
16/06/2026: Trial's existence confirmed by West of Scotland REC4.
