The Spectrum Centre

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

18/09/2025

From Robert G. …….
Okay, some of you know this already, others don’t. Since May last year I’ve been going through a process of self-discovery. Some of you will be surprised, others may just think, “yeah, always thought so.”

It began after I failed to get yet another board (job interview) for work – despite my experience, skills and knowledge I lost out again, and something that stood out to me in the feedback, and my own reaction to it, made me stop and think.

Around that time, I bumped into an old friend from my days in Classical Music. I shared what had happened, and she suggested that what she saw were the tell-tale signs of... drumroll... autism.

I’ve always felt a bit different, like there was sometimes a block between me and other people. This process has been both enlightening and liberating, and looking back it explains a lot – from never getting past many job interviews despite giving “textbook” answers, to sometimes coming across as too intense, distant, or just a bit odd. Like many others on the spectrum, I’ve learned to “mask” to fit in, which is probably why it has taken me so long to recognise it myself.

So yesterday, I received my formal diagnosis.

Sharing this wasn’t an easy decision, but it isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s simply who I am. This doesn’t change anything about me personally, professionally or my abilities – it just gives me a better understanding of myself and maybe help me improve and understand the world. Seeing people like Fern Brady speak openly about their experiences has been an inspiration too.

A big thanks to Jo in the Spectrum Centre.

18/09/2025

Here at The Spectrum Centre we are acutely aware that many autistic women and girls fall under the radar when it comes to getting a timely diagnosis and the implications that this has for long term mental wellbeing and fulfilment of potential. Even the most highly regarded tools often fall short when you investigate the research on their relaiblity and validity in respect of females. This only serves to increase the problem if those involved in the diagnostic process have limited knowledge and experience of the differences that may present between the male and female profiles of autism, and therefore over rely on rigid test ‘scores’ to make their diagnostic formulation. We would therefore recommend investigating the experience of your diagnostic team in this regard when making your referral for assessment. Here at Spectrum we pride ourselves in having a long history of diagnosing and supporting autistic females who have often struggled to get others to listen and see beyond their anxiety or depression, eating disorder, trauma or ocd, to get to the heart of their concerns. If you or a loved one feel that you would benefit from having a chat with one of our team, please give us a call on 02887729820 or Email to: thespectrumcentre@gmail.com
We facilitate a fantastic autistic women’s support group called SWAG …. You do not need to have a formal disgnosis to attend.
We are here to listen and help!

19/08/2025

WE ARE HIRING!
We are seeking to recruit a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and an Adult Psychiatrist with an interest in undertaking ADHD diagnostic assessments as part of our Dublin based multidisciplinary team. Must be registered to practice in the Republic of Ireland. This is a remote position on a contract basis. Please contact us via our email: thespectrumcentre@gmail.com to register interest.

07/08/2025

Do you relate to this….. ?

02/08/2025

Very often the profile of PDA is missed in the diagnosis of autism, and in some cases, even the identification of the core autism is also missed as a result of those with PDA presenting with a much more subtle, often masked level of social difficulty.

Here at the Spectrum Centre we specialise in this particular presentation within ASD and always consider it within our multidisciplinary diagnostic assessments.

In addition to this, individuals are often referred to our service, post diagnosis elsewhere, as further down the line, a possible presentation of PDA is being queried.

Why is the identification of a PDA profile so important? Well, if PDA is part of an individual’s profile and it is not picked up, they have an increased risk of being misunderstood, misdiagnosed and exposed to ‘typical’ ASD strategies, which, for many, can often be much more harmful than good. It is vital that the right approach is applied.

So if you, or someone you care for experiences extremely high levels of anxiety and dysregulation (which may be masked), employ strategies of extreme demand avoidance, appear to create all sorts of excuses to get out of doing things, submerge in a fantasy world / hobby to escape life demands, present as deliberately controlling, unco-operative and argumentative, experience frequent meltdowns and extremes of emotion….. maybe this could be an explanation.

Too often the focus is on the behaviour, leading to the individual being described as difficult or challenging. Relationships can suffer, and education and work placements can be significantly impacted. School avoidance is very common.

PDA is too often not identified, which very often only serves to result in greater distress for the individual and those who love and wish to support them.

The good news is ….. Help is available!

If any of this rings true for your current situation, whether it relate to you, your child or someone you teach or work with…please feel free to get in touch. We have a super team of professionals who get it. We also run a monthly online PDA Support Group which is free to join.

We are here to listen and to help!

20/06/2025

Had the absolute pleasure of meeting up with the fantastic Tiernan today! How time flies… I first met Tiernan when he was just
3 years old…. a very shy and anxious non verbal, hyper sensitive little boy who at the time struggled to walk, interact and play. The Spectrum Team got involved, and along with the dedication of his amazing parents and the co-operation and input from his teaching staff and Education Authority we set upon the journey to implement and oversee an intensive multidisciplinary home / school programme that was to span his educational career. Fast forward 18 years…. and here he is! This enthusiast, happy young man whose social diary would rival the best! On first name terms with Ireland’s Country singing greats, Tiernan loves driving lorries and diggers, going to country music festivals and truck runs…. and even participating in Karaoke! Not stopping there, Tiernan has just signed up as a volunteer with his local SEN Youthclub! What a star! I am so proud of everything you have achieved Tiernan, but more importantly for the resilience you have shown in overcoming so many early challenges to become the amazing, most endearing young man you are! You are an inspiring example of the benefits of early diagnosis, early intervention and of what can be achieved through close working partnerships between parents, statutory and independent services. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing what’s next in your journey! 💕