Caroline Goldsmith is a consulting clinical psychologist who works with vulnerable families in private practice to assess autism in children and provide further information and support.
Ms Goldsmith specialises in providing private assessments for the many parents concerned about autism in their children. In Ireland, state services are extremely limited in this area and families are routinely left waiting for long periods of time to access assessments.
Throughout her long career as a psychologist in Ireland, Caroline Goldsmith has recognised the importance of rapid autism assessment and intervention.
Caroline Goldsmith says: "Parents are struggling to get the assessment their need for their children, and even if they can access the initial services are then left languishing on waiting lists for intervention, treatment and assistance.
"As a psychologist with many years experience in developing the assessment protocols that are used today, I help families to access services for their autistic children. There is a need throughout Ireland for private psychologists to provide these kinds of assessments on children and the expert evidence they need to get the care they need."
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND HISTORY
Autism assessment has long been a specialism for Caroline Goldsmith. From the beginning of her training at The Open University to her current research, Ms Goldsmith has been at the forefront of research in this area.
Throughout her career, Caroline Goldsmith has worked with many parents to access the private assessments they need for their children.
Without the initial autism assessment, it's extremely difficult for parents to access further information about autism assessment.
Caroline Goldsmith says: "Unfortunately, in Ireland, there is no real support from the state health service to address these concerns. It's absolutely incumbent upon the HSE in Ireland to provide funding to rectify these issues.
"Meanwhile, despite the lack of public services, children in Ireland badly need support and assessments from a qualified psychologist.
"Early intervention is absolutely crucial for the child dealing with autism, and without that the family can suffer unnecessarily. In Ireland, private assessments play a large part in attempting to address these concerns with understanding and expertise.
"I started my psychology training many years ago with a programme from The Open University. Since then, I have acquired a range of qualifications and industry training qualifications that help me to continue to provide reports for families with autism needs."
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
While Caroline Goldsmith is based in Ireland, her education in this area began at an online university - The Open University. This was followed by a number of other qualifications and research projects at various institutions including:
• Newman University
• University of East London
• Trinity College Dublin
• CMIT Institute Dublin
