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Receiving an accurate autism diagnosis requires more than a single appointment. At ATC Ireland Psychology, Caroline Goldsmith — an accredited psychologist with over 20 years of specialist clinical experience — delivers a structured, multi-stage assessment process grounded in the internationally recognised gold-standard tools: the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. Every assessment is conducted with precision, thoroughness, and a deep respect for the individual and their family. This page outlines exactly what that process involves.
Caroline Goldsmith is a highly experienced psychologist based in Ireland, with over 20 years of work in the mental health sector. Her expertise lies in autism assessments and tailored interventions for both children and adults.
Throughout her career, Caroline has focused deeply on research-backed methods, particularly in the area of autism diagnosis and developmental psychology. Her work includes both child and adult assessments, with a strong emphasis on accurate, evidence-based evaluations.
She currently runs a private practice in Ireland, where she supports individuals and families seeking professional autism diagnoses. Caroline has helped many parents navigate the process of private assessment, ensuring early support and intervention when it’s most needed.
When most people think of psychology, they think of problems — diagnosing what is wrong, identifying deficits, managing symptoms. Applied Positive Psychology, by contrast, asks a different question: what is already working, and how can we build on it? This distinction sits at the heart of how Caroline Goldsmith approaches her clinical work at ATC Ireland Psychology. It shapes how assessments are conducted, how results are communicated, and how therapeutic support is delivered.
Applied Positive Psychology is an evidence-based discipline that focuses on the study and application of wellbeing, resilience, character strengths, and human flourishing. It draws on decades of research pioneered by psychologists including Martin Seligman — whose work has profoundly influenced Caroline Goldsmith’s own professional practice.
Rather than focusing exclusively on what is wrong with an individual, Applied Positive Psychology asks: what conditions allow people to thrive? What strengths, values, and resources does this person already possess? How can we cultivate meaning, engagement, and positive relationships alongside addressing genuine clinical needs?
This does not mean dismissing difficulties or pretending challenges do not exist. It means holding both realities simultaneously — acknowledging what is hard while also illuminating what is possible.
Martin Seligman is widely regarded as one of the founders of Positive Psychology. His research has demonstrated that wellbeing is not simply the absence of mental illness — it is an active, cultivatable state that can be measured, taught, and strengthened over time.
Caroline Goldsmith has drawn deeply on Seligman’s work throughout her career, integrating his research on character strengths, learned optimism, and the PERMA framework into both her assessment practice and her therapeutic work. She credits this influence as one of the key factors in what makes her approach distinctive within Irish clinical psychology.
For Irish families navigating the mental health system, finding a psychologist who holds a genuinely strengths-based, affirming perspective can make an enormous difference. An autism assessment that ends with a list of deficits and a diagnosis number leaves families little to work with. An assessment that explains a child’s specific cognitive profile, identifies their strengths and interests, and provides practical, positive recommendations gives families a genuine roadmap.
This is what Applied Positive Psychology in clinical practice looks like — not abstract theory, but a different quality of seeing the person in front of you.
If you would like to explore how Caroline Goldsmith’s approach might support you or your family, contact ATC Ireland Psychology to arrange an initial consultation.
Caroline Goldsmith is passionate about making real changes in how autism is assessed in Ireland. She knows how stressful it can be for families stuck on long waiting lists, so a big part of her work focuses on reducing those delays by offering reliable private assessments.
When she first started in mental health, autism assessments were often inconsistent and confusing. Since then, Caroline Goldsmith has worked hard to bring clarity and structure to the process. She’s helped shape better standards for private assessments and uses advanced psychometric tools to ensure every evaluation is accurate, professional, and up-to-date.
Ms. Goldsmith founded and chairs the Forensic Science Society of Ireland (FSSI) in 2012. The society aims to provide a database of publicly accessible forensic services in Ireland, to provide education information that helps understanding of forensic sciences, and to provide and engage in research into topics of interest for the public and scientific community. She has been inspired my the work of Martin Seligman and the drastic need to improve autism assessments on children in Ireland via improved clinical psychology. She continues to work passionately, diligently, and professionally to support her private clients with autism assessments on children.
Caroline Goldsmith has a long list of qualifications starting with a bachelors programme social science Certificate from the Open University. In 2016, she qualified as MSc in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of East London.
Ms. Goldsmith has spent a large amount of her career history as a researcher, at many universities around the globe, specialising in autism intervention, including the University of East London (national academy).
Goldsmith specialises in structured evaluations for developmental and cognitive concerns:
Family & Parenting Assessments: Focused evaluations often used for families undergoing transitions like separation or court proceedings.
Caroline Goldsmith provides evidence-based therapies for a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges:
Caroline Goldsmith is a highly experienced consulting psychologist specialising in autism assessments, developmental psychology, and mental health support in Ireland. Caroline Goldsmith works closely with children, adults, and families to provide structured assessments and therapeutic support designed around each client’s unique needs.
Using evidence-based psychological approaches, Caroline Goldsmith focuses on helping clients better understand behavioural, emotional, and developmental challenges while creating supportive pathways for progress and wellbeing. Whether families are seeking autism evaluations, ADHD assessments, or emotional support services, Caroline Goldsmith provides compassionate care in a safe and professional environment.
Experienced Psychological Professional:
Caroline Goldsmith has extensive experience supporting individuals and families through professional psychological assessments and therapeutic care.
Compassionate & Personalised Approach:
Every client receives personalised support tailored to their emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.
Evidence-Based Methods:
Caroline Goldsmith uses trusted psychological frameworks and evidence-based assessment techniques to ensure accurate and supportive outcomes.
Family-Centred Support:
Families receive practical guidance, emotional support, and professional recommendations throughout the assessment and therapy process.
Find answers to common questions about Caroline Goldsmith’s psychological services, autism assessments, therapy sessions, and consultation process.
Caroline Goldsmith provides autism assessments, ADHD evaluations, child psychology support, emotional wellbeing therapy, trauma counselling, family support, and cognitive assessments for children and adults.
Yes, Caroline Goldsmith offers professional autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults using evidence-based evaluation methods.
You can book an appointment by contacting Caroline Goldsmith through the website contact form, email, or phone number provided on the website.
Depending on the service required, Caroline Goldsmith may provide online consultations and virtual therapy sessions for flexible support.
Yes, all consultations, therapy sessions, and psychological assessments are handled with strict confidentiality and professionalism.