Introduction to the Autism Team

Regional Service Manager – Angela Regan (Acting) The Regional Service Manager for Autism is responsible for the operational, clinical and fiscal management of the Children’s Autism Service. The Regional Service Manager is the direct Line Manager for the Early Intervention Manager, School Age Manager, and Behaviour Support Staff, and works in collaboration with Heads of Departments and the Therapists, to ensure that families experience coordinated supports.
Early Intervention Manager – Bernie Roe The Early Intervention Manager will meet the family of children in the 0-6 age group and with them identify goals that are a priority for the family. The family will be referred to relevant members of the Western Care multi-disciplinary team to support the child/family to attain their goal/full potential. With the family, other team members and other agencies (pre-school staff, HSE) the Early Intervention Manager will assess the child’s skills. From this an individualized set of goals will be chosen by the family to support the child’s progress and learn new skills. Team members review, monitor and record the child’s progress and introduce new goals. This role also involves working in collorabration with other agencies (Dept. of Education and Science, HSE, Preschools) to promote inclusion in local community. Information sharing with families is an important part of this role to enable families to choose supports and services and know their entitlements/rights. The Early Intervention Manager will support the family with the child’s transition to School should the family request this support.
School Age Manager – Andrew Clarke The School Age Manager is responsible for coordinating the supports for families and children (age 6-18). Supports are based around priorities identified by families and children and therefore can be unique and varied in their arrangements. We aim to be creative in our approach and look to enable children and families to be involved in their natural community life. The role also invovles coordinating a team of Autism Resource Workers based around the County as well as a part time respite house in Castlebar. In addition the School Age Manager coordinates a Social Skills group for children who need support in this area.
Autism Resource Workers The Autism Resource Workers directly support the child and/or family in a variety of settings which could include the home, a preschool or the community. They work on goals identified as a priority by the family and/or the child as the child grows older. Skill development is promoted through practical teaching and support.
Early Intervention Occupational Therapist - Vivek Rajasekaran The Early Intervention Occupational Therapist focuses on children's occupational performance related to tasks of daily living such as motor, sensory and learning skills, appropriate play and interaction. Specific goals are developed, therapeutic programmes are designed and activities are selected which meet the developmental interests and needs of the child.
Psychologist – Joy Harrington The Psychologist provides a range of supports to children with autism and their families including assessment, problem solving, counselling, education and information provision, and support around school inclusion.
Social Worker – Johannes Nyawata The Social Worker supports children and their families in their pursuit of personal outcomes through provision of information on entitlements and other services available in the Community. Advice, guidance and counselling is also provided when required. I also organize, facilitate and evaluate the running of groups to support children, siblings and parents.
Behaviour Support Specialists - Jenny Tsagalas and Mary Healy The Behaviour Support Specialists work collaboratively with the individual, family and others who support the person to develop a range of supports to address the meaning of behavioural difficulties. This collaborative process involves meeting with the individual and those who support him/her, assessing the nature of difficulties, and then developing a comprehensive range of support strategies. These strategies will typically include changes to the environment to meet the individual’s needs, teaching the individual replacement skills as alternatives to behavioural difficulties, implementing strategies to develop appropriate behaviours, and developing strategies to respond in a safe and respectful way to difficult situations when they occur. We also provide guidance in relation to developing more supportive environments for the individual to promote independence, skill development, and community involvement.

Early Intervention Speech and Language Therapist - Brenda Welch Speech and Language Therapy is involved in the assessment, diagnosis and remediation of communication difficulties and disorders. The aim of the Speech and Language Therapist is to support and develop the child’s communication skills. Research indicates that these skills are better developed in their natural setting with those that the child has regular contact with, namely; families, teachers, friends and the community and to this end therapy supports not only benefit the child but the people who make up the child’s world.
Admin Support - Claire Lally The Clerical Support provides administrative support to the Autism Team, including Regional Service Manager, Early Childhood Manager, School Age Manager, Autism Resource Workers, Speech and Language Therapist, Behaviour Support Staff, Occupational Therapist and Social Worker. This support includes diary management, minute taking, general correspondence, upkeep of IP folders, filing etc. The Clerical Support is also often the first point of contact for families, schools, other agencies and the community in general.

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