Jose Fernandez Diaz, MSc, BCBA
Behaviour specialist/ ACT therapist
Jose is a senior Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Mindfulness /Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapist. Since 2009, he has worked with children, adolescents and adults with Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities who struggle with problem behaviours and mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, and Tic Disorders He particularly focuses on reducing challenging behaviour, improving social and independent living skills, and teaching stress management skills that will help to improve their quality of life. He is passionate about working with students who have High Functioning Autism and who struggle with the demands of the academic world such as the Leaving Certification and third level education. His particular interest is in working collaboratively, with his clients and their support systems, to teach and develop behavioural plans that are aimed at improving their quality of life. In addition, he employs ACT and Mindfulness strategies to reduce the impact that negative thoughts can have on his client´s behaviour and to encourage them to persist in behaviours of chosen values. He has also worked in a variety of settings including residential care, home and schools. His research aims to integrate Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and ACT into clinical practice and to improve social skills in individuals with Autism. Jose has presented his research at professional forums in the United States, Ireland and Spain in both English and Spanish.
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