About Us

The Applied Behaviour Research Clinic (ABRC) is a research-based clinic in which we use evidence-based strategies based upon the principles of behaviour to improve the lives of individuals with different learning needs and their families. The clinic members have expertise in the area of Behaviour Analysis and in the development of interventions and strategies to build and maintain important life skills. The clinic focuses on intervention-based research to foster skill development for individuals with learning needs, as well as developing evidence-based staff and parent training methods to support individuals to achieve the best outcomes possible.  The ABRC provides support for individuals with different needs across the lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood.

Our Mission/Vision

Our aim is to foster meaningful change in skills and behaviour for those who need it, through providing behaviour analytic support. We are committed to informing people about the science of behaviour analysis and openly disseminate our clinical research findings.

Our Research Topics Include:

Our research focuses on the application of strategies based on behavioural principles to improve important skills and have a meaningful impact for those we support in a number of key areas.

Parent Testimonials

"Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Helena and her team. As an Autism mammy/family we’ve had a very difficult and complicated relationship with food both texture and taste since my son’s birth. He never had any interest in food and would have lived off milk alone. I tried so many things over the years and nothing worked. I really didn’t know where to start, I didn’t know what exactly the problem was, therefore what could I do (I’d tried everything). I knew I had to buy in and commit completely to the programme in order to get the help we needed. It wasn’t easy, it’s an emotional rollercoaster but it worked. There was support all the way.  The team are positive, proactive, understanding and supportive.  But they are also strict and follow the process to ensure they get results. Nothing is rushed or pushed ahead it has to be done right.  They stop and review as we move along ensuring that I as the parent would be confident to continue the programme once I went home. I’ve been to NUIG twice now. In June 2018 I worked on a programme to help my son accept 12 new tastes.  My 4.5 yr old had been eating the same 2 puree dishes (1 lunch and 1 dinner) for almost 4 years. I went in with an open mind and by the end of 5 days he wasn’t chewing anything but he had accepted 12 new tastes.  I followed the programme when I went home and introduced a number of different dishes and flavours (all puree).  This year May 2019 we returned to NUIG for 3 days.  I worked with the team to teach my son how to chew and move his tongue from side to side. By the end of 3 days he could chew small bite sizes of apple, carrot and broccoli. Now 6 weeks on my son can chew small bite sizes of carrot, broccoli, fish finger, sausage, toast, pancake, bread waffle and potato waffle, strawberry, raspberry, orange, apple, peach, banana, blueberries and crackers.  We still have a long road ahead of us but with the guidance from the team I know how to do it. We would never have come this far without the support and guidance from Helena and her team. I saw no way forward and I never dreamt I would have come this far so quickly.  If you need help there’s no better place to seek support and guidance.  I would highly recommend working with Helena and her team. They went above and beyond what they needed to do and really transformed our lives for the better.  The whole experience really was priceless."  Deirdre Fitzpatrick

Current Research Partners: