Research unit for children, adolescents, and neurodiversity

Some neurodivergent children and adolescents do not thrive. The aim of our research unit is to learn more about why that is and how best to support these children and adolescents.

Every child is unique, and neurodivergent children are no exception. While some have the internal and external resources to navigate life smoothly, others may face greater challenges. In our research unit, we investigate the various factors that influence a child's development We investigate the challenges that some children with ADHD may experience (e.g., related to executive functioning, language, sleep, and behaviour) and how these challenges can impact daily life. We also try to challenge traditional neuropsychological and medical models of psychopathology as well as associated methods of assessment. Finally, we examine how best to support neurodivergent children and their families and communities. We acknowledge diversity in all its forms and try to nurture an inclusive research environment where everyone is heard, regardless of background, perspective, or experience. We collaborate with several child and adolescent psychiatric hospitals as well as a number of prominent international researchers.

Who we are

Head of research unit

Academic staff

Ida Bonnerup Jepsen

Publications

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Wolf, R. T., Jeppesen, P., Pedersen, M. M. A., Puggaard, L. B., Thastum, M., Bilenberg, N., Thomsen, P. H., Silverman, W. K., Plessen, K. J., Neumer, S.-P., Correll, C. U., Pagsberg, A. K. & Gyrd-Hansen, D. (2022). Cost-effectiveness of a transdiagnostic psychotherapy program for youth with common mental health problems. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), Article 819. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08187-9

Valmyr Bania, E., Sørheim Nilsen, T., Thastum, M., Ingul, J. M. & Havik, T. (2025). Teachers’ experiences with the Back2School intervention: A pilot study addressing problematic school absenteeism. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1608184. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1608184

Trap Wolf, R., Puggaard, L. B., Agner Pedersen, M. M., Pagsberg, A. K., Silverman, W. K., Correll, C. U., Jessica Plessen, K., Neumer , S.-P., Gyrd-Hansen, D., Thastum, M., Bilenberg, N., Thomsen, P. H. & Jeppesen, P. (2022). Systematic identification and stratification of help-seeking school-aged youth with mental health problems: a novel approach to stage-based stepped-care. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 31(5), 781-793. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-021-01718-5

Thastum, M. (2023). Back2School: indsatsen til børn med problematisk skolefravær. AngstAvisen, (81), 8-10.

Thastum, M. (Ed.), Lomholt, J. J. (Ed.), Nielsen, A., Laybourn, C. & Sørensen, N. M. (2024). Social angst hos børn og unge: Håndbog til forældre. Dansk Psykologisk Forlag.

Thastum, M., Lomholt, J. J. & Johnsen, D. B. (2024). Back2School: en intervention for børn med bekymrende skolefravær. Pædagogisk Psykologisk Tidsskrift, 61(3), 78-91.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: Mentale lidelser og sygdomsbyrde blandt børn og unge. P - Psykologernes fagmagasin, 11(1), 6.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: Hvis angsten ikke forsvinder. P - Psykologernes fagmagasin, 11(1), 6-7.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: Skolefraværsproblemer. P - Psykologernes fagmagasin, 11(1), 7.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: Psykoterapi - hvad har vi lært? P - Psykologernes fagmagasin, 11(1), 7.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: Effekten af OurRelationship-programmet sammenlignet med biblioterapi for forældre i parforholdsproblemer. P - Psykologernes fagmagasin.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: “The Mattering Citizen”. P - Psykologernes fagmagasin.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: Bekymrende skolefravær set fra skolens og forældrenes perspektiv. P - Psykologernes fagmagasin.

Thastum, M. (2025). Ny forskning: Effekten af kognitiv adfærdsterapi (KAT) for angstlidelser hos børn og unge. P - Psykologernes fagmagasin.

Strömbeck, J., Friberg, P., Lax, I. S., Hill, O., Palmu, I., Sjöström, J., Thastum, M., Fensbo, L., Hansen, R. B., Ezzaaf, N., Hejl, C., Tjäder, H. G., Nordby, M.-J. & Sandhaug, M. (2022). Problematic School Absenteeism: Improving Systems and Tools. Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships. A Nordic Collaboration No. Report 2. November 2022 https://www.statped.no/contentassets/0f3128f2f88b42578b059263b03f9847/rapport-2-erasmus-sap.pdf

Sørensen, N. M., Lambek, R. & Thastum, M. (2023). Co-SPACE Denmark: Mental health in Danish families during COVID-19 Organizing data and preliminary analyses of the complete dataset. Poster session presented at Lorentz Center workshop, Leiden.

Sørensen, N. M., Skaarnes, H., Mathiasen, K., Thastum, M. & Lomholt, J. J. (2025). Developing an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders: Design, Usability, and Initial Evaluation of the CoolMinds Intervention. JMIR formative research, 9, Article e66966. https://doi.org/10.2196/66966

Sørensen, N. M., Skaarnes, H., Mathiasen, K., McLellan, L. F., Thastum, M. & Lomholt, J. J. (2025). Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for adolescents with anxiety disorders delivered with different types of therapist support: a randomized feasibility trial. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 1-24. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2025.2522995

Skaarnes, H., Sørensen, N. M., Houe Wisnewski, A., Lomholt, J. J., Thastum, M., McLellan, L. F. & Mathiasen, K. (2024). Internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention for adolescents with anxiety disorders: a study protocol for a parallel three armed randomized controlled trial. Trials, 25, Article 674. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-08511-0

Sandhaug, M., Palmu, L., Jakobsen, S., Strömbeck, J., Nordby, M.-J., Friberg, P., Berg, J., Fensbo, L., Sjostrom, J. & Thastum, M. (2022). Recording, Reporting, and Utilizing School Attendance Data in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway: A Nordic Comparison. ORBIS SCHOLAE, 16(2-3), 173-186. https://doi.org/10.14712/23363177.2022.12

Rimvall, M. K., Vassard, D., Nielsen, S. M., Wolf, R. T., Plessen, K. J., Bilenberg, N., Thomsen, P. H., Thastum, M., Neumer, S.-P., Puggaard, L. B., Pedersen, M. M. A., Pagsberg, A. K., Silverman, W. K., Correll, C. U., Christensen, R. & Jeppesen, P. (2023). Effect modification of an effective transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral psychotherapy in youths with common mental health problems: Secondary analyses of the randomized mind-my-mind trial. European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 74, 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.05.004

Nielsen, K. & Thastum, M. (2023). School Absence Seen from a School Perspective and a Parent Perspective. Nordic Studies in Education, 43(4), 325-343. https://doi.org/10.23865/nse.v43.4080

Marks, K. P., Birkebæk, N., Pouwer, F., Ibfelt, E. H., Thastum, M. & Jensen, M. B. (2022). Caregiver-report Adherence in Diabetes Questionnaire is predictive of 10-year HbA1c trajectories in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A population-based study. Diabetologia, 65(Suppl 1 ), S89. Article 170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-022-05755-w

Marks, K. P., Birkebæk, N. H., Pouwer, F., Ibfelt, E. H., Thastum, M. & Jensen, M. B. (2023). Adherence in Diabetes Questionnaire (ADQ) score as predictor of 11-year HbA1c trajectories in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A population-based longitudinal study. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 197, Article 110558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110558

Marks, K. P., Aalders, J., Liu, S., Broadley, M., Thastum, M., Jensen, M. B., Ibfelt, E. H., Birkebæk, N. H. & Pouwer, F. (2024). Associations between disordered eating behaviors and HbA1c in young people with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Current Diabetes Reviews, 20(4), Article e220823220144 . https://doi.org/10.2174/1573399820666230822095939

Marks, K. P., Pouwer, F., Jensen, M. B., Ibfelt, E. H., Kristensen, L. J., Thastum, M. & Birkebæk, N. H. (2023). Responses to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire predict HbA1c trajectories in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a population-based study. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, 11(6), Article e003479. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2023-003479

Lomholt, J. J., Nielsen Arendt, J., Bolvig, I. & Thastum, M. (2022). Children with School Absenteeism: Comparing Risk Factors Individually and in Domains. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 66(3), 411-426. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2020.1869085

Langenskiöld, J., Thastum, M. & Alanko, K. (2025). Feasibility of a revised version of the Back2School intervention: a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral intervention for school attendance problems. Nordic Psychology, 1-26. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/19012276.2025.2571698

Lambek, R., Thomsen, P. H., Sonuga-Barke, E., Jennum, P. & Sørensen, A. V. (2022). The Association between Sleep Problems and Neuropsychological Deficits in Medication-naïve Children with ADHD. Behavioral Sleep Medicine, 20(4), 429-441. https://doi.org/10.1080/15402002.2021.1931222

Lambek, R., Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S., Lange, A. M., Carroll, D. J., Daley, D. & Thomsen, P. H. (2023). Parent Training for ADHD: No Generalization of Effects From Clinical to Neuropsychological Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(1), 98-107. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547221130108

Knudsen, C. B., Hemager, N., Greve, A. N., Lambek, R., Andreassen, A. K., Veddum, L., Brandt, J. M., Gregersen, M., Krantz, M. F., Søndergaard, A., Steffensen, N. L., Birk, M., Stadsgaard, H. B., Ohland, J., Burton, B. K., Jepsen, J. R. M., Thorup, A. A. E., Nordentoft, M., Mors, O. & Bliksted, V. F. (2022). Neurocognitive Development in Children at Familial High Risk of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. JAMA Psychiatry, 79(6), 589-599. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0465

Knudsen, C. B., Greve, A. N., Jepsen, J. R. M., Lambek, R., Andreassen, A. K., Veddum, L., Brandt, J. M., Gregersen, M., Krantz, M. F., Søndergaard, A., Carlsen, A. H., Steffensen, N. L., Bundgaard, A. F., Burton, B. K., Thorup, A. A. E., Nordentoft, M., Mors, O., Bliksted, V. F. & Hemager, N. (2023). Neurocognitive Subgroups in Children at Familial High-risk of Schizophrenia or Bipolar disorder: Subgroup Membership Stability or Change From Age 7 to 11-The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 49(1), 185–195. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbac134

Knudsen, C. B., Hemager, N., Jepsen, J. R. M., Gregersen, M., Greve, A. N., Andreassen, A. K., Veddum, L., Brandt, J. M., Krantz, M. F., Søndergaard, A., Burton, B. K., Thorup, A. A. E., Nordentoft, M., Lambek, R., Mors, O. & Bliksted, V. F. (2023). Early Childhood Neurocognition in Relation to Middle Childhood Psychotic Experiences in Children at Familial High Risk of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder and Population-Based Controls: The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 49(3), 756–767. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbac198

Kilburn, T. R., Sørensen, M. J., Thastum, M., Rapee, R. M., Rask, C. U., Arendt, K. B., Carlsen, A. H. & Thomsen, P. H. (2023). Group Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial in a General Child Psychiatric Hospital Setting. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(2), 525-538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04471-x

Kilburn, T. R., Rapee, R. M., Lyneham, H. J., Thastum, M. & Thomsen, P. H. (2023). Testing a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program for Anxiety in Teenagers on the Autism Spectrum: A feasibility study.. Abstract from 10th World Congress of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies., Seoul, Korea, Republic of.

Kilburn, T. R., Rapee, R. M., Lyneham, H. J., Thastum, M. & Thomsen, P. H. (2023). Testing a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy pro-gram for Anxiety in Teenagers on the Autism Spectrum: A feasibility study.. Poster session presented at 20th International Congress of the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Kilburn, T. R., Rapee, R. M., Lyneham, H. J., Thastum, M. & Thomsen, P. H. (2024). Testing a cognitive behavioural therapy program for anxiety in autistic adolescents: a feasibility study. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 78(5), 421-430. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2024.2338206

Johnsen, D. B., Lomholt, J. J., Heyne, D., Jeppesen, P., Jensen, M. B., Silverman, W. K. & Thastum, M. (2022). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of youths and parents seeking psychological treatment for school attendance problems. PLoS One, 17(1), Article e0261449. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261449

Johnsen, D. B., Lomholt, J. J., Heyne, D., Jensen, M. B., Jeppesen, P., Silverman, W. K. & Thastum, M. (2024). The Effectiveness of Modular Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Treatment as Usual for Youths Displaying School Attendance Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 52(9), 1397–1412. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-024-01196-8

Jepsen, I., Hougaard, E., Matthiesen, S. T. & Lambek, R. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis of narrative language abilities in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 50(6), 737-751. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-021-00871-4

Jepsen, I. B., Brynskov, C., Thomsen, P. H., Rask, C. U., Jensen de López, K. & Lambek, R. (2024). The Role of Language in the Social and Academic Functioning of Children With ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 28(12), 1542-1554. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547241266419

Jepsen, I., Brynskov, C., Thomsen, P. H., Rask, C. U. & Lambek, R. (2025). The Association Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Narrative Language: What is the Role of Executive Function? JCCP Advances, 5(4), Article e70007. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.70007

Jakobsen, S., Tølbøll, K. B., Thastum, M. & Lomholt, J. J. (2025). Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for School Attendance Problems: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Child Psychiatry and Human Development. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-025-01847-x

Hejl, C., Ezzaaf, N., Hansen, R. B., Nielsen, K. & Thastum, M. (2025). A review and qualitative synthesis of the voices of children, parents, and school staff with regards to school attendance problems in the Nordic countries. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 69(7), 1490-1504. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2024.2434822

Hansen, K. E., Lambek, R., Røssaak , K., Egekvist, A. G., Marschall, H. D., Forman, A. & Kesmodel, U. (2022). Health-related quality of life in women with endometriosis: Psychometric validation of the Endometriosis Health Profile 30 Questionnaire using confirmatory factor analysis. Human Reproduction Open, 2022(1), Article hoab042. https://doi.org/10.1093/hropen/hoab042

Borg, B., Lambek, R., Jørgensen, C. S., Otto, M., Pedersen, M. J., Rittig, S., Juul, K. V., Thomsen, P. H. & Kamperis, K. (2025). Sleep and neurocognitive functioning in nocturnal enuresis. Abstract from ESPN 2025, Athens, Greece.

Borg, B., Lambek, R., Jørgensen, C. S., Otto, M., Pedersen, M. J., Rittig, S., Juul, K. V., Thomsen, P. H. & Kamperis, K. (2025). SLEEP AND NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN NOCTURNAL ENURESIS. Abstract from ESPU ICCS 2025, Vienna, Austria.

Bertie, L.-A., Arendt, K., Coleman, J. R. I., Cooper, P., Creswell, C., Eley, T. C., Hartman, C., Heiervang, E. R., In-Albon, T., Krause, K., Lester, K. J., Marin, C. E., Nauta, M., Rapee, R. M., Schneider, S., Schniering, C., Silverman, W. K., Thastum, M., Thirlwall, K. ... Hudson, J. L. (2024). Patterns of sub-optimal change following CBT for childhood anxiety. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 65(12), 1612-1623. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14009

Bertie, L. A., Quiroz, J. C., Berkovsky, S., Arendt, K., Bögels, S., Coleman, J. R. I., Cooper, P., Creswell, C., Eley, T. C., Hartman, C., Fjermestadt, K., In-Albon, T., Lavallee, K., Lester, K. J., Lyneham, H. J., Marin, C. E., McKinnon, A., McLellan, L. F., Meiser-Stedman, R. ... Hudson, J. L. (2024). Predicting remission following CBT for childhood anxiety disorders: A machine learning approach. Psychological Medicine, 54(16), 4612-4622. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291724002654

Arildskov, T. W., Virring, A., Lambek, R., Carlsen, A. H., Sonuga-Barke, E., Østergaard, S. D. & Thomsen, P. H. (2022). The factor structure of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in schoolchildren. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 125, 104220. Article 104220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104220

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Research projects (selected)

2020→ : Co-SPACE Denmark: COVID-19: Support for parents, youth, and children during epidemics.

2017→ : Language in children with and without ADHD.

2011→ :lmplications of neuropsychological aspects of pre-school ADHD for treatment outcome.

2011→ : Cognition and behavior in schoolchildren with and without ADHD.

2011-2015: Danish standardization of 5-15.

2005-2008: Heterogeneity in ADHD: Cool executive function and gender aspects.

Collaboration

Major research collaborations Professor Per Hove Thomsen: Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Research Unit, Psychiatry, AU Hospital, Denmark. Topics: ADHD, OCD, child mental health.Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke: School of Academic Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK, & Honorary Skou professor at the Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Research Unit, AU Hospital, Psychiatry, Skejby, DK. Topics: ADHD, neuropsychology in ADHD, ADHD intervention, parenting in ADHD.Professor David Daley: Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. Topics: Parenting in ADHD, ADHD interventions.

2011→: Professor Mark Shevlin: Ulster University (Magee), Ireland, & Honorary Professor of Psychological Research Methods and Statistics at the University of Southern DK. Topics: Mental health in the general population & statistics.

Dr. Rosemary Tannock: Brain and Behaviour Unit, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Topics: Neuropsychological function in children with ADHD.

Professor Cathy Creswell: Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, Oxford University, UK. Topics: Mental health in children and families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Contact

If you are interested in hearing more about the research unit and our activities, you are most welcome to contact Head of research unit:

Revised 28.01.2026

Aarhus BSS