Historic neurodiversity conference unites psychiatrists and GPs in groundbreaking dialogue

On Friday 13 June 2025, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) convened an inaugural joint conference, marking a significant milestone in the UK's approach to neurodivergent healthcare. Held online, the event brought together leading researchers, clinicians and advocates to explore innovative, compassionate, and collaborative care models for individuals identifying as neurodivergent.

Conference highlights

The conference included expert sessions and panel discussions on ADHD, autism, and how neurodiversity connects with mental and physical health throughout people's lives. One popular session called 'ADHD: Heartsink or rethink' looked at the challenges of treating multiple conditions in neurodivergent patients, highlighting why joined-up care is so important. Another session, "GPs vs Psychiatrists", took a funny but honest look at how both types of doctors are vital for caring for neurodivergent people, examining their expertise alongside the stereotypes they face.

Patients' experiences were powerfully represented through moving stories from Ms Ann Chamings, who shared what it's really like to navigate life with neurodiversity, and Jane Green MBE, who chairs SEDSConnective, an innovative international charity that supports hypermobile neurodivergent people.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Heidi Phillips, Chair of the RCGP Neurodiversity special interest group shared her insights:

“The joint conference was a pivotal moment in bridging the gap between psychiatry and general practice. The collaborative spirit was palpable, and the discussions were both enlightening and empowering. It's clear that when we work together, we can create a healthcare environment that truly understands and supports neurodivergent individuals.”

Dr. Jess Eccles, Chair of the RCPsych Neurodiversity special interest group reflects:

"It was brilliant to have all of these voices together in the same space. It is evident that the current system is not working well for either doctors or patients; it is only through joined-up, creative thinking that we will work towards the solutions we all desperately need".

Impact and future direction

This conference underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing patient care. The conference also provided a platform for networking and sharing best practices, fostering a community committed to continuous learning and improvement in neurodivergent care.

The success of this inaugural conference shows great promise for future partnerships between the RCPsych and RCGP, with plans to better include neurodiversity in medical training, everyday practice, and policy making. As healthcare continues to change, initiatives like this are vital to make sure neurodivergent people get the complete, understanding, and personalised care they need.