About this event
- Date and time Wed 26 Nov 2025 from 10:00am to 4:45pm
- Location Online
- Organised by Food and Health
This timely online event explores the powerful and evolving links between nutrition, the gut-brain axis, and neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and Autism. With rising rates of diagnosis and awareness, this event highlights cutting-edge research, practical clinical strategies, and emerging insights into how diet, gut health, and targeted nutritional approaches may influence brain function, mood, attention, and behaviour.
Gain a deeper understanding of the connection between nutrition, neurodivergence, and brain health from leading experts in the field.
The event addresses a critical gap in training and clinical understanding by integrating nutrition science into neurodevelopmental care. The programme offers unique insight that is difficult to access elsewhere, combining the latest scientific evidence with real-world application for healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers.
By attending this webinar, you will:
- Acquire knowledge about the latest research on brain health, including the gut-brain axis and its relevance to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.
- Identify key dietary and lifestyle strategies that support neurodivergent brain health (cognitive function, emotional regulation, and attention).
- Value the integration of nutritional neuroscience into clinical and public health practice for improving outcomes in ADHD, Autism, and related disorders.
- Be equipped to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue around neurodivergence, brain health, and personalised care approaches.
- Recognise the implications of nutritional insufficiencies, food intolerances, gut dysbiosis, and micronutrient imbalances on brain health.
Agenda
View the programme
Session 1: Morning
Chairs: Professor Greta Defeyter, Professor of Developmental Psychology, Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, and Dr Leigh Gibson, Past President, Food and Health Forum Section, Royal Society of Medicine
Welcome and introduction
Professor Greta Defeyter, Professor of Developmental Psychology, Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, and Dr Rachel Gow, FHEA, RNutr, Child Neuropsychologist, Nutritional Neuroscientist, Founder of Nutritious Minds Trust Charity
The essential role of nutrition for children’s mental health
Dr Julia Rucklidge, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
ADHD and the microbiota-gut brain axis
Professor Sarah Kittel-Schneider, Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork
The role of nutrition in ADHD and neurodivergence
Dr Rachel Gow, FHEA, RNutr, Child Neuropsychologist, Nutritional Neuroscientist, Founder of Nutritious Minds Trust Charity
Panel discussion
Lunch
Sponsored industry presentation by So Nutrition
From Science to Support: The So Nutrition Approach to Neurodiversity and Nutrition
Sarah Osborne BA(Hons)
Session 2: Afternoon
Chair: Alex Ruani, Elected Council Member of the Royal Society of Medicine Food & Health Council
A metabolic health framework to support adolescent anxiety
Dr Rebecca Hiscutt, PhD. BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Dietetics, Registered Dietitian, Calm Horizons Nutrition
Adult ADHD - An overview of the nutritional landscape
Dr James Kustow, Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Director of The Grove Practice
Panel discussion
Nutritional psychiatry and neurodiversity – the mind-body relationship
Dr Pratima Singh, Adult & Community Psychiatrist, Mind-Body Medicine
An introduction to Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: the intersection of nutrition, mental health and neurodivergence
Dr Samuel Chawner, School of Medicine, Cardiff University
Comfort break
Disordered eating and neurodivergence
Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas, Clinical Neuroscientist and Nutritionist
Panel discussion
Close of meeting
Sponsors
Location
Online
Registration for this webinar will close at 8:00 am on Wednesday 26 November 2025. You will receive the webinar link 1 hour before the meeting. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Webinar recordings will be available for registered delegates up to 60 days after the live webinar, via Zoom. The link will be sent 24 hours after the webinar takes place.
This webinar will be recorded and stored by the Royal Society of Medicine and may be distributed in the future on various internet channels.