Aileen is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over ten years’ experience working with, supporting and carrying out research with Autistic children, adults and their families

Aileen holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology, Sociology & Politics from National University of Ireland, Galway, an MPhil in Psychology & Education, a PhD in Psychology & Education from University of Cambridge, UK and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from University College Dublin. In her doctoral research, Aileen examined self-talk and the development of self-regulatory abilities of Autistic children and designed an intervention to promote self-talk and self-regulatory abilities. Her clinical doctorate examined emotion regulation and mental health of parents of autistic children

Aileen has worked in a variety of clinical settings including HSE Primary Care, HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health, St. John of God’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Student Counselling Services, Student Disability Services, Early Intervention and Adult Disability Services. Most recently, Aileen has worked as an autism consultant across Student Disability Services and Student Counselling Services in Trinity College Dublin and as a psychologist carrying out autism assessments with The Children’s Clinic. In addition to her work with The Adult Autism Practice, Aileen currently works as a clinical psychologist with children and adolescents in the public sector

Prior to becoming a Clinical Psychologist, Aileen worked with Autistic children and their families across multiple settings. Aileen supervised and taught students in the areas of experimental, cognitive and developmental psychology in the University of Cambridge. She also facilitated weekly groups for adults with eating disorders. Aileen has been involved in multiple international research projects relating to child development in the areas of play, social, emotional, cognitive development and education. In conjunction with two colleagues, Aileen has also written an international guide for policy makers on the topic of Quality in Early Childhood Education. Aileen is also involved in creating teacher training programmes on a variety of topics relating to psychology, development and mental health

Aileen is a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland and a member of the PSI Autism Special Interest Group. Aileen is passionate about collaborating with the Autistic community to create better understanding of neurodiversity and to work together to create an inclusive society for all. In addition to working in the HSE and with The Adult Autism Practice, Aileen enjoys travelling and exploring coastlines on land or by kayak!