Dr Maeve Kavanagh, Clinical Director / Principal Clinical Psychologist

Maeve is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (membership number M11328) with particular interest in the identification of Autistic identity and co-occurring conditions. Maeve has worked with Autistic children and adults since 2008 and is a keen ally of the Autistic community.

Maeve obtained a B.A. in Psychology from University College Dublin in 2002. She then undertook an M.Sc. in Clinical Neuroscience in University College London and upon her return to Ireland, worked in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for two years carrying out Neuropsychological assessments with adults and children with a range of Neurological conditions.

Maeve completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in Trinity College Dublin in 2008. Following this, Maeve has gained valuable experience in the area of Autistic identity. She initially worked within HSE Adult Autism and Disability services in Dublin and Kildare for two years and subsequently worked for 11 years within HSE Carlow/Kilkenny child and adolescent Autism and Disability services. Alongside working in the public system, Maeve has provided private psychology assessment services since 2015. She also provides teaching input to the Doctoral courses in Clinical Psychology across Ireland in the identification of Autistic identity using a Neuroaffirmative approach, and in supporting Autistic people. Maeve provides clinical supervision for Psychologists in Clinical Training, Psychologists within the HSE, and for those undertaking postgraduate research in the area of Autistic experiences. In August 2021, Maeve took up a Principal Psychology post with The Adult Autism Practice, having worked with the practice on a sessional basis since it’s foundation in 2020. 

Maeve has benefitted from working alongside other Neurodivergent professionals and works hard to be an ally to the Autistic and LGBTQIA+ communities. She has a particular interest in Gender Identity and autism and has undertaken additional training in this area. Maeve is proud to be a co-author alongside her colleagues in The Adult Autism Practice of “The Neurodiversity Affirmative Adult Autism Assessment Handbook” which was published by Jessica Kingsley publishers in 2023. Maeve is also co-author on the upcoming child version of this handbook, due to be published in early 2025.