Launched in late 2009, ReConnect Autism Consultancy and Training delivers autism consultancy and training services to parents of children on the autism spectrum that result in improved quality of life.  Based in Mayo and servicing families nationwide, ReConnect Autism brings the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) programme to Ireland for the firsttime.  RDI is a parent-education programme based on the latest research on the brain, developmental psychology and autism that focuses on promoting and enhancing the child’s social and emotional understanding. 

Qualified RDI® Service Providers - such as ReConnect Autism - have completed intensive training through the Connection Center™ under a master’s level RDI® Certified Consultant. RDI® Certified Program Consultants are required to complete clinical supervision and annual Continuing Education Credits to maintain their certification status in compliance with the RDI® Code of Ethics.

OUR MISSION

We believe parents are the experts on their children and have the most influence on a child’s life. Our treatment plans promote parents as the causative agents of change. Parents have tremendous power to support their child’s development in all areas, including sensorimotor, social, communicative, emotional, and cognitive domains.

The ReConnect Team have collectively over 20 years of working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. At present we are the only certified providers of RDI in Ireland., with each consultant receiving their training from RDIConnect in Texas.  At ReConnect, we are committed to providing a friendly and professional service to our families. 

The artistry and distinctive skills each specific consultant brings to the table are fundamental to the success of the child and the family. Our consultants come from a variety of backgrounds and specialties and act as facilitator and primary guide to parents as they navigate the program and identify and overcome obstacles. Because of a consultant’s unique ability to tailor programs to a family’s lifestyle and culture, we will provide you with a consultant that best compliments your daily life, personality and specific needs.

ReConnect Autism is headed up by Declan Sweeney B.Sc. ACE (Autism) who brings over 16 years experience in delivering autism services in the U.K. in the form of Gloucestershire Autism Services as well as working as a Team Leader on the U.K.’s Autism Services Accreditation Programme.  Please find Declan's experience detailed below. 

Gloucestershire Autism Services:

In 1997, Declan founded and managed Gloucestershire Autism Services in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK.  The service provided specialist, autism-specific residential, supported living and outreach services for adults and adolescents with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. GAS provided full time care and support for 20 individuals and outreach services for a further 8 individuals. The service employed in excess of 70 employees.

Gloucestershire Autism Services was first accredited by the National Autistic Society’s Autism Services Accreditation Programme in 2001 and retained its accredited status until Declan's decision to sell the service and return to Ireland in 2007.

The National Autistic Society – The Autism Services Accreditation Programme:

In 1999, Declan was appointed as an accreditation team member on The Autism Services Accreditation Programme. In 2001, Declan was promoted to Team Leader on the programme and was responsible for leading teams of accreditation inspectors, in reviewing services throughout the UK.

In 2003, Declan became an Accreditation Panel member, this was a senior position, where he was involved in deciding on whether services should receive accredited status.From 2003 to 2007, Declan was also involved within the accreditation standards think tanks, which reviewed standards and established new standards, in keeping with the changing needs of service provision.

Caitriona Brady recently joined ReConnect Autism’s as a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) consultant.  The RDI consultant is trained to play a role as facilitator and to tailor learning programs based on the unique needs of each family.  A trained psychologist with a background in psychotherapy, relationship counselling as well as Montessori teaching, Caitriona brings a wealth of expertise to  ReConnect. 

Caitriona has spent recent years developing her private couples counselling practice as well as working with both MRCS (Marriage & Relationship Counselling Services) as well as Accord.  Caitriona’s approach has been to develop an integrative approach to working with both individuals as well as couples.  She is no stranger to the varied dynamics within the home and will be able to call upon this expertise in helping train parents to become Autism experts and to delivery therapy to their own children that will enhance their quality of life. 

For five years prior to this, Caitriona was a team co-ordinator and key-worker in the childcare world working full time with abused children and teenagers with serious behavioural and conduct disorders as well as those on the autism spectrum.  Before turning to childcare work, Caitriona trained and practiced as a Montessori teacher in the Dublin area. 

Caitriona lives in Greystones with her husband and two little boys.