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Child Psycholgist

Sarah McGinley
Galway Psychology and Educational assessment  Services
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Sarah McGinley 
B.A., Dip. Psych, MSc OccPsy, PGCE, PGDSL. 
C.Psychol., Ps.S.I. 

About Sarah McGinley

Background, Career & Education

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Background

Sarah McGinley is a Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), with over 18 years’ experience working across psychology, education, and the special education sector.

Sarah works with children and families across Galway and surrounding areas, supporting those who may be experiencing difficulties in school, particularly in literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, and maths), as well as broader learning, behavioural, and developmental needs.

She has extensive experience working with children and young people who present with a range of additional needs, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and autism. Sarah is particularly skilled in helping families to understand their child’s profile and in guiding them through the process of accessing appropriate supports and services.

Sarah has worked as both a teacher and psychologist in Ireland and internationally, including in the UK, Canada, and Australia. She currently works full-time as a Special School Principal and part-time in private practice, where she provides psychological assessments, educational guidance, and tailored support to families navigating the education system.

Alongside her professional expertise, Sarah is also a mother of three young boys and brings valuable lived experience to her work. She understands the challenges families can face and is passionate about ensuring parents feel supported, informed, and confident in advocating for their child.

Career

  • Special School Principal (current)

  • Private Practice Psychologist – providing assessments, guidance, and support to families

  • Teacher (mainstream and special education settings)

  • International experience working in education and psychology (UK, Canada, Australia)

Education & Professional Qualifications

  • Chartered Psychologist, Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

  • Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership – National University of Ireland, Galway

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education – Liverpool Hope University, UK

  • MSc in Occupational Psychology (Hons.) – Liverpool John Moores University, UK

  • Diploma in Psychology – Open University, UK

  • BA (Hons.) Psychology & Geography – National University of Ireland, Galway

Specialist Training & Continuing Professional Development

Leadership

  • Children First: Child Protection Policies & Procedures

  • Leadership Skills for School Improvement

  • Essential Leadership Competencies

  • Management Skills for School Leaders

Special Educational Needs & Autism

  • Assessment & Individual Planning for Students with Special Educational Needs

  • TEACCH Approach

  • DIR Floortime

  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

  • LÁMH Communication System

  • Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS)

  • Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities

  • Social Stories

  • Sensory Motor & Relationship-Based Approaches

  • Puberty, Sexuality & the Autism Spectrum

  • Understanding Speech & Language Impairments

  • Adolescent Brain & Anxiety

Behaviour & Wellbeing

  • Contemporary Applied Behaviour Analysis (Functional Assessment)

  • Resolving Bullying: Strategies for School Settings

  • Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE)

ICT in Education

  • ICT in the Primary Classroom

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Approach

Sarah provides a warm, practical, and family-centred approach. She believes that no question is a bad one and is always happy to offer advice, whether families are seeking a full assessment or simply guidance and direction.

Her core aim is to support children and families to achieve the very best outcomes from their educational experiences, while ensuring parents feel supported every step of the way.

 

​galwaypsychology@gmail.com 

Assessment Types Available

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Assessment Types & Reports

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Psychological / Psycho-educational Assessment & Report

This is the core assessment service provided by Sarah and the primary focus of her private practice.

A comprehensive psycho-educational assessment includes:

  • A cognitive (IQ) assessment using standardised tools such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scales (e.g. WISC-V)

  • An assessment of academic attainment in literacy and numeracy, including reading, spelling, writing, and mathematics

  • An assessment of adaptive functioning using the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS), providing insight into a child’s everyday skills, independence, and practical functioning

  • A detailed developmental and background history gathered from parents/carers

  • Consideration of school reports and teacher input where available

This multi-layered approach allows for a thorough understanding of the child not only as a learner, but also in terms of their day-to-day functioning.

These assessments are designed to clearly identify a child’s strengths and areas of need and to provide practical, meaningful recommendations.

The report can be used to support:

  • Applications for additional school supports

  • Access to reasonable accommodations (RACE)

  • Applications such as DARE (where appropriate)

  • Educational planning at school and at home

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Screening for Attention Difficulties (ADHD)

Sarah offers screening to explore attention, concentration, and regulation difficulties.

These assessments:

  • Examine areas such as attention, impulsivity, executive functioning, and emotional regulation

  • Include input from parents (and teachers where possible)

  • Help to identify whether a pattern of behaviours consistent with attention difficulties may be present

These are screening assessments only. Sarah does not provide formal diagnoses of ADHD. Where appropriate, families are supported with clear recommendations and guidance on next steps, including referral pathways for multidisciplinary assessment.

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Screening for Autism Spectrum Differences (ASD)

Sarah provides structured screening to explore social communication, behaviour, and developmental patterns that may be associated with autism.

This may include:

  • A detailed developmental history

  • Parent consultation and questionnaires

  • Consideration of adaptive functioning and behavioural presentation

These assessments help to build a clear understanding of the child’s profile and whether further assessment may be appropriate.

These are not diagnostic assessments. A formal diagnosis of autism requires a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. Sarah provides guidance and support to families in understanding findings and accessing appropriate services where needed.

Assessment Reports

Following assessment, a detailed written report is provided, which includes:

  • A clear explanation of cognitive ability (IQ)

  • Analysis of academic attainment

  • Insight into adaptive functioning (daily living skills)

  • Identification of strengths and areas of difficulty

  • Practical, tailored recommendations for home and school

  • Guidance on supports and next steps

Reports are written in a clear, accessible manner for both parents and educators and are designed to be practical and easy to use.

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Sarah aims to provide reports in a timely manner following assessment.

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Consultation & Guidance

Sarah also offers consultation for parents who may:

  • Have concerns about their child’s learning or development

  • Feel unsure about next steps

  • Need support navigating educational and support services

This can be particularly helpful at an early stage, ensuring families feel informed, supported, and confident in how to proceed.

Boy Playing with Blocks

Get in Touch

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, development, or progress in school, you are very welcome to get in touch.

Sarah understands that taking the first step can often feel overwhelming. Whether you are considering a full assessment, looking for guidance, or simply unsure about what supports may be appropriate, she is happy to offer initial advice and point you in the right direction.

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No question is too small.

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Early support and clear understanding can make a meaningful difference to a child’s confidence, wellbeing, and educational experience. Sarah works closely with families to ensure they feel supported, informed, and confident in the next steps for their child.

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To make an enquiry or arrange an appointment:
Email: galwaypsychology@gmail.com
Or fill in the contact form on the website. Please include your phone number if you would like Sarah to call you to discuss your query.

Baby Playing with Building Blocks
Child Counseling

Contact 

Contact us today by email

galwaypsychology@gmail.com or by filling out the form below

 

Get in touch to learn more about our services or to request an appointment.

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