Barbara Di Benedetto

Biography

Barbara is a psychologist who is in the process of applying for her HCPC membership. Barbara has a strong knowledge of neuropsychology and developmental psychopathology. She worked with children who have disabilities and young people in school, home and community settings for over five years. Barbara has a particular interest for anxiety disorders, which was the topic of her research project during her training. Barbara has experience in using positive behaviour support (PBS) as a rehabilitative tool to support children with behaviour, communication and social impairments. Barbara is actively involved in the assessment and rehabilitation of children and young people suffering from acquired and developmental brain injury.

---

Work history

• Assistant clinical psychologist - Education and Health Partnership 2016
• Room leader - Autism charity 2016
• Assistant psychologist - Independent psychology practice 2014
• Behaviour therapist - Independent 2012
• Specialist support worker - Independent service 2012
• SEN teaching assistant - Primary school 2011
• Helpline case manager - Emergency phone service 2010

---

Specialisms and Services:

• Anxiety
• Autism
• Social, emotional and mental health
• Home and school observations
• Administering tests
• Report writing
• Positive behaviour support (PBS)
• Applied behavioural analysis (ABA)
• Cognitive and functional behaviour assessment
• Designing rehabilitation plans
• Staff training
• Parent support
• Assessments
• Training

---

Professional memberships:

• British Psychological Society (BPS)

---

Qualifications:

• 1
  M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology (specialising in Neuropsychology)University of Palermo
• 2
  B.A. in Psychological Sciences and TechniquesUniversity of Palermo

---

Interview with Barbara Di Benedetto

What are your priorities as a SEND professional?

Making sure every child is given the best chance in life by providing an individualised and comprehensive support plan that takes in great consideration the specific needs of the individual.

How can you help students?

I can help students through providing education on healthy eating on a budget, advice regarding recommended activity levels and meal preparation and healthy snacking tips.

Why should educational settings choose EHP?

EHP is a unique multidisciplinary organisation that enables to get access within the same service to all the professionals normally involved in the care of vulnerable children minimising the time consuming process of finding the right individuals.

Describe your approach to students in 3 words.

Personalised, motivating, consistent.

What will you provide that other SEND professionals won’t?

Being able to fully understand the specific needs of every child having extensive experience of supporting them in a variety of settings and across multiple levels (e.g. behaviour, cognition, social and psychological areas).