Irish Society for Behaviour Analysis

My initial qualification was in Social Care, gained back in 1995 and I ran a successful Day Nursery for children, being the first in my area to provide provision for children with additional needs. I decided when I had 2 children of my own, to return to studying and completed my BSc (Hons) in Psychology part time (taking a few years off and having 3 more children). I embarked on my ABA journey when I sought how to help my children, all with Autism Spectrum Disorder, one with a co-morbid diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder. Having completed a PG in Autism Spectrum Disorders, I went on to study my Masters in ABA at Queen’s University Belfast. I began working as a home tutor and enjoyed this for seven years, and I still work with some families for Summer Provision. I gained my supervised hours while a home tutor and became BCBA in 2021. I am currently employed by NHS in Fermanagh, covering a significant part of the west of Northern Ireland, as a Behaviour Therapist within the Children’s Intellectual Disability Psychology Service. I use my CEU requirement to develop and extend my knowledge within areas such as ACT and RFT and to explore how ABA can be utilised within a trauma informed approach and clinic based interventions. I hope to complete my PhD as a personal goal.