What we do
Behaviours of concern are not part of Autism Spectrum Disorder but are maladaptive ways of responding to inadequacies in the environment or occur due to lack of socially-adaptive skills for controlling environment.
Autisc individuals are at higher risk of developing behaviours of concern due to difficulties with learning, communication and perception.
Behaviour Detectives will conduct a behavioural assessment, develop an individualised plan to address any problem behaviours and teaches new skills.
Behaviour Detectives provides an outcomes-based service with evidence-based therapeutic input. We work towards overcoming behaviours of concern, assisting the family and caregivers in implementing strategies to archive these goals and aim to improve the quality of life.
Behaviour Detectives Transition Programme is mainly aimed for early school leavers and young adults, with a focus on Emerging Adulthood – in-between age who find difficulty transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Young people age range is usually 18 years to 25 years and have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other diagnoses. They may present with anxiety, self-isolation and with little to no community inclusion. Using an evidence based approaches, we utilise scientifically proven strategies that are monitored by data collection to determine the progress towards discovering new opportunities and opening new doors. Programmes are designed in line with the HSE New Directions and person-centred planning.
Encouragement is provided to make positive choices about future planning and to identify personal values, while always acknowledging individuality, preferences and needs. The emphasis is on improving the quality of life and skills development. Input from Behaviour Detectives can begin either at home, at the Transition Programme Base in Naas or in the community and would target the following areas:
Independent Living Skills
Further Education and Employment
Social Skills and Community Participation
Psychosexual Education
ASD Awareness, Rights and Responsibilities
Behaviour Detectives is an outcome-based service applying evidence-based practices, such as:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Process Based Behaviour Therapy (PBBT)
The aim is to have another adult who is not your parent by your side while gaining confidence to step in to the wide world as independently as possible. The focus is on overcoming barriers and making plans about the future that may include further education, employment or discovering new pathways.
Children, adolescents and adults with Autism often present with behavioural problems in social and community settings. This can result in the family or carers having to limit social interactions at home or in the community leading to further stress and isolation for all involved.
This is especially prevalent among older children, adolescents, and young adults who may have missed out from early intervention or have not had the appropriate input to support their needs. Behaviour Detectives outreach and respite holiday service focuses on the increased demand to support families beyond the usual home support services that are currently on offer.
The goals are chosen with careful consideration to individualised behaviour support plan and family values. Community access and skills development are achieved by selecting suitable indoor and outdoor activities. The aim is to increase daily living skills and assist with behavioural support needs in the community settings.
Also, to help establishing a regular practice of being apart from the family, leaving the family home for periods of time and being able to transition outside of the home.
Behaviour Detectives training, supervision and workshop team has extensive experience in the frontline Autism services across settings such as school, home, community, respite and residential care. The team is led by Virge Connery who has been involved in adult education since 2014. Virge has reviewed, designed and delivered modules and workshops for colleges such as University College Cork and Open Training College.
Virge was also a course co-ordinator and lecturer for UCC Diploma in Autism Studies in Kilkenny. Her enthusiasm for public speaking and lecturing on Autism along with invaluable frontline experience, have helped to gain a unique perspective and empathy for all people connected to Autism.
Virge holds a postgraduate certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, undertook Train the Trainer course and has completed competency-based supervision training required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). She is also registered with the Teaching Council.
Whether you are a healthcare provider, parent group or a school seeking training, we will gladly set up a bespoke solution for you. Professional workshops can be tailored for the individual need of the healthcare organisation such as school or residential home. If you would like more information on our training services, please feel free to contact us at hello@behaviourdetectives.ie.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Virge's first path to further education was to study law. As a qualified Court Clerk, she gained an understanding of various aspects of the law, an ability to interpret policies, court observations, reviewing documents and reports. Moving to Ireland, she pursued and studied Psychology instead. A client familiar with Behaviour Detectives needed an expert witness for a case involving behaviours of concern, which presented a perfect blend of psychology and law.
Virge has over ten years of experience in the field and is responsible for ensuring the governance and safety of her team and clients. Behaviour Detectives are happy to undertake reviews, provide written expert testimony and court appearances.