Welcome to "Mind the Kids," where stories, science, and lived experience collide to shed light on the mysteries of child development. What if the answer to why some children struggle with attention or language isn’t just written in their DNA, but also shaped by the world their parents create?

In this episode, “Neurotypes, Genotypes and Phenotypes,” our hosts Professor Umar Toseeb and Dr. Jane Gilmour invite Dr. Laura Hegemann to talk about her JCPP paper ‘Direct and indirect genetic effects on early neurodevelopmental traits’ and the wider implications of the topic.

Laura unravels why understanding genetic influences isn’t about fate or fatalism; it’s a nuanced story of possibility, risk, and hope. Her research offers powerful new insights: the mix of direct genetic effects and subtle environmental influences, and why “knowledge is power” for clinicians and parents trying to support neurodiverse children. You’ll hear candid reflections on why communicating these findings is fraught with risks and responsibilities—and stories of families who find both challenge and strength in their inherited traits.

As you listen, expect real talk: about how early intervention makes a difference, why neurodevelopmental traits can be both a challenge and a gift, and how science can help us support—not stigmatise—those on different developmental paths. 

This isn’t just another academic debate; it’s a conversation about how research shapes practice and lives. So settle in for a journey through dilemmas, discoveries, and transformative moments in child behavioural genetics. The story starts here.

More information:
From the JCPP paper ‘Direct and indirect genetic effects on early neurodevelopmental traits’ Laura Hegemann, Espen Eilertsen, Johanne Hagen Pettersen, Elizabeth C. Corfield, Rosa Cheesman, Leonard Frach, Ludvig Daae Bjørndal, Helga Ask, Beate St Pourcain, Alexandra Havdahl, Laurie J. Hannigan
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14122

Mind the Kids - Neurotypes, Genotypes, and Phenotypes

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 (www.acamh.org) for a host of free evidence-based mental health resources.

New tracks tagged ##BehavioralGenetics #neurodevelopment #earlyintervention #parenting #genetics #environmentalfactors #research #academia