The Special Interest Group in Autism (SIGA) promotes research related to autism and awareness of the needs of Autistic individuals, their families and carers.
The SIGA (previously the SIG in Autism Spectrum Disorder) was founded in November 2001.
Recent Work
Professional Practice Guidelines for the Assessment, Formulation, and Diagnosis of Autism in Children and Adolescents, 2nd Edition (Published May 2022 - see downloads section)
Past Projects
Best Practice Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders for children and adolescents (birth to 18 years), first edition (2010 - see downloads section)
Supporting PSI response to HSE Draft Autism Protocol
Supporting PSI response to HSE Autism Services Review
Autism Assessments
Psychological assessments for Autism should be comprehensive and person-centred. Assessments take time to carry out, for both young people and adults, exploring a person's developmental history, strengths, needs, social interaction style, and presenting behavioural and/or sensory issues. Psychology is not currently regulated in the Republic of Ireland. CORU will regulate the profession in the future, however the current time frame for this is unknown.
For those seeking an Autism assessment, it is recommended to speak to a professional who is a Chartered Psychologist with PSI or BPS, to ensure you are confident in his/her experience, expertise, qualifications and competencies. Whilst there is currently no statutory regulation of psychologists under Irish law, all psychologists who have designated chartered status with PSI or BPS are bound by ethical and governance standards of their respective professional body.
Contact & Connect
[email protected]
PSI SIGA webpage
LinkedIn
Facebook: @PSIAutismSIG
SIGA | Psychological Society of Ireland
Officers
Anna Howley
Social Media Officer
Debora Abdala
Events/Training Officer
Sonia Morris
Ordinary Committee Member
Miriam O Donohue
Ordinary Committee Member
Helen Cahill
Ordinary Committee Member
Mitchel Fleming
Ordinary Committee Member
Membership
SIGA is open to all members of the PSI.
If you are not currently a PSI member, join us here.
SIGA is always interested in new members joining and adding to the group, as well as establishing links to further enhance the basis of professional psychological knowledge in the area of Autism.
If you are interested in joining the SIGA and are a PSI member, please apply online below. SIGA membership is free.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Grandparenting Rule is to enable Full and Associate members of the Special
Interest Group in Coaching Psychology, who are experienced coaching psychologists and
professional coaches, to gain membership of the Division of Coaching Psychology during a
transition period.
The Grandparenting Rule acknowledges that due to the emerging and evolving nature of coaching
psychology qualifications and professional pathways, some current members may not meet all the
requirements of the new Full or Associate membership criteria of the Division of Coaching
Psychology.
This Rule seeks to recognise the prior learning, qualifications, and experience of coaching
psychologists and professional coaches who are current members of the Special Interest Group in
Coaching Psychology, ensuring inclusion of those established practitioners in the Division of
Coaching Psychology, while maintaining standards for new entrants into the profession.
WHO CAN APPLY:
This Membership Route is only open to those who are Full or Associate Members of the
Division in Coaching Psychology as of 18th October 2025.
Thereafter all applications (lapsed or new) for Full or Associate Membership of the Division of
Coaching Psychology must meet the new Membership criteria as set out in the Rules of the
Division of Coaching Psychology.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
The below criteria are outlined in greater detail in the Grandparenting Rules.
Please read the Grandparenting Rules before completing the Application Form.
Thereafter, applicants should complete the attached Grandparenting Application Form in full and upload below.
Applicants for Full membership must hold PSI Graduate or Chartered membership.
Applicants for Full and Associate Membership must hold membership of the Division of Coaching
Psychology and meet each of the following four criteria demonstrating professional experience
and contribution to coaching psychology.
- Coaching Experience
- Qualifications and Training
- Contribution to the Field of Coaching Psychology
- Commitment to Professional Ethical Standards, Reflective Practice and Supervision
TIMEFRAME AND DEADLINE:
The Grandparenting Route will be open for a limited transition period from 20 October 2025 to 1st
March 2026.
After this period, all applicants (lapsed or new) must meet the Division of Coaching Psychology
New Membership criteria as defined in the Rules of the Division of Coaching Psychology and
adopted by membership at the AGM on 18th October 2025.
PLEASE NOTE:
The options for grandparenting are Full Membership - €30 Associate Membership - €30