When a student is struggling in school, parents may wonder what can be done. Edward Joyce, an educational psychologist who holds masters degrees in psychology and education, has worked with students at primary, post-primary, and third level, and students who have severe difficulties in reading and mathematics.
Mr Joyce was principal of St Anne’s School, Taylor’s Hill, which is an integral part of CAMHS West. He did in-depth assessments of children and adolescents with psychiatric, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, and developed programmes tailored to their learning styles and educational needs. He then joined the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS ), and worked in Galway city and county: his work on the Aran Islands and in north Galway was done through Irish. He now works with children, adolescents, and adults who have ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, speech and language disorders; and Leaving Certificate students seeking eligibility for the DARE programme; and with third level students seeking access to the student disability services.
“When I am working with students, I conduct psycho-educational assessments to establish the intellectual ability and educational achievements of these students,” he said. “Where the student may have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties, direct observation in the classroom and playground, as well as the administration interviews, questionnaires, and behavioural scales, will also be done. This information is further augmented by reports from parents, teachers, and other professionals. The results are then discussed with parents and teachers, and a report is written, stating the intellectual ability of the young person and making recommendations on the appropriate interventions required [resource teaching/SNA support etc].”
Contact Edward Joyce, educational psychologist, Suaimhneas, Upper Clybaun Road, Galway, phone 091 529285/086 3535062, or visit edwardjoycepsychology.com
