Teams, tools, and time: A mixed methods study of workforce practices to identify mental health concerns in young people with complex communication needs

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First published online 05 August 2025.


Why this study was done

Young people with complex communication needs are more likely to experience mental health concerns than their peers. However, recognising these concerns can be difficult because many young people cannot easily describe how they are feeling. Health and disability professionals often lack the tools, training, and confidence needed to identify mental health concerns early. This study explored how practitioners currently identify mental health concerns in young people with complex communication needs and what support they need to improve their practice.

What the study did

Researchers used a mixed methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with health and disability practitioners who work with young people with complex communication needs. Participants discussed their current assessment practices, the tools they use, the challenges they face and the resources they believe would improve mental health identification and support.

What the study found

The study found that practitioners rely heavily on teamwork, clinical experience and information from families and caregivers when identifying mental health concerns. Few assessment tools were designed specifically for young people with complex communication needs, leaving clinicians to adapt existing approaches. Participants highlighted a need for more appropriate assessment tools, greater access to specialist services, additional training, and sufficient time to build trusting relationships with young people and their families. Collaboration across health, education and disability services was identified as essential for recognising and responding to mental health concerns effectively.

What this means

Improving mental health care for young people with complex communication needs requires more than better assessment tools. Services need to invest in workforce training, collaborative care and accessible resources that support practitioners to recognise mental health concerns early. Strengthening these areas could improve timely access to mental health support, reduce unmet needs and promote better wellbeing outcomes for young people with complex communication needs and their families.


This study was conducted by: Dr. Jacinta Pennacchia, Ms Shirley Wong, Mr Greg Bonyhady, Mrs Chris Pacheco, Professor Dave Coghill, Professor Mats Granlund and Professor Christine Imms.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 05 August 2025.


Why this study was done

Young people with complex communication needs are more likely to experience mental health concerns than their peers. However, recognising these concerns can be difficult because many young people cannot easily describe how they are feeling. Health and disability professionals often lack the tools, training, and confidence needed to identify mental health concerns early. This study explored how practitioners currently identify mental health concerns in young people with complex communication needs and what support they need to improve their practice.

What the study did

Researchers used a mixed methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with health and disability practitioners who work with young people with complex communication needs. Participants discussed their current assessment practices, the tools they use, the challenges they face and the resources they believe would improve mental health identification and support.

What the study found

The study found that practitioners rely heavily on teamwork, clinical experience and information from families and caregivers when identifying mental health concerns. Few assessment tools were designed specifically for young people with complex communication needs, leaving clinicians to adapt existing approaches. Participants highlighted a need for more appropriate assessment tools, greater access to specialist services, additional training, and sufficient time to build trusting relationships with young people and their families. Collaboration across health, education and disability services was identified as essential for recognising and responding to mental health concerns effectively.

What this means

Improving mental health care for young people with complex communication needs requires more than better assessment tools. Services need to invest in workforce training, collaborative care and accessible resources that support practitioners to recognise mental health concerns early. Strengthening these areas could improve timely access to mental health support, reduce unmet needs and promote better wellbeing outcomes for young people with complex communication needs and their families.


This study was conducted by: Dr. Jacinta Pennacchia, Ms Shirley Wong, Mr Greg Bonyhady, Mrs Chris Pacheco, Professor Dave Coghill, Professor Mats Granlund and Professor Christine Imms.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.