About us
We’re Aoife & Aine, twin sisters from Limerick who opened Emerge in August 2021. We both always had an interest in working and learning about autism since our cousin Aaron was diagnosed 10 years ago when he was 2 years old. We had little exposure to autism at the time and were just starting our undergraduate degrees in Social Care and Early Childhood Education. This encouraged us to focus our studies on adults and children with additional needs and completed our chosen placements in these areas - which we both really enjoyed and benefitted from. These experiences resulted in us deciding on our Masters degrees which focussed on children who were on the spectrum and the supports available to them. Aine studied Applied Behavioural Analysis in Queens University Belfast and Aoife studied Early Intervention in Trinity College Dublin.
Watching Aaron grow up and our exposure to many other kids on the spectrum through our time as home tutors under the Department of Education, we became increasingly more interested in the different ways each child learns, communicates and interacts with those around them. No two children were the same and we loved forming and building meaningful relationships with the children and their parents.
Once we completed our Master Degrees it quickly became apparent to us that there was a lack of readily available supports outside of the state-supported programs which are evidently under-resourced and have long waiting times for both a diagnosis and subsequent acceptance to state supported therapies. We also became increasingly aware of how little families may know about a new diagnosis. From where we were looking, the internet was filled with a lot of negative language, perceptions and generalisations about children on the spectrum and we want to show families that many of these misconceptions are far from the truth.
Therapies for children on the spectrum are often 1:1 with an adult, which is hugely beneficial. However, often times we felt we couldn’t teach certain skills without the presence of other children and wanted a space where we could create groups of neuro-divergent children and allow them to form real relationships and friendships through shared interests. This could be a group of kids who enjoy lining toy farm animals up together, rather than playing make believe with them! This allows children on the spectrum feel understood and that their way of play is accepted and others like to play this way too.
We want to be a service which puts parents minds at ease and bring positivity to families who are learning about their neurodivergent children. Each child we have met over the years is amazing and brilliant in their own unique ways. We have seen the most special and meaningful friendships form in Emerge and we are so proud of all our kids. We look foward to hearing from you!
Aine O’Carroll, Co-Founder & BCBA
Áine holds an honours Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from Mary Immaculate College and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Queen’s University Belfast. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with over 10 years’ experience supporting autistic children and their families.
Her experience spans home-based intervention, educational settings, and specialist autism services. Áine’s approach is child-centred and strengths-based, valuing each child’s individuality and natural ways of engaging with the world. While Áine trained in Applied Behaviour Analysis, her work with children and families over many years has shaped a deeply reflective and evolving practice. Through hands-on experience, listening to families, and learning directly from autistic children themselves, Áine has moved away from rigid or prescriptive programmes. Her current approach is firmly child-led, focusing on connection, regulation, and respecting each child’s autonomy, rather than compliance.
Áine co-founded Emerge Intervention alongside her sister, Aoife. Following the birth of her baby girl in March, Áine continues to contribute to Emerge Intervention in a behind-the-scenes capacity, supporting the ongoing development, clinical direction, and administration of the service
Aoife holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Care, with a focus on Special Education and Disabilities, and a Master’s Degree in Education in Early Intervention from Trinity College Dublin. She has over a decade of experience supporting young children and their families across a range of settings, both in Ireland and internationally.
Aoife’s professional background includes working as a Home Tutor under the Department of Education with children under five, leading a Special Educational Needs department in an international school, and working as a Behaviour Therapist with young children. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with parents, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to support children’s development in practical, meaningful ways.
Through her work at Emerge Intervention and her experience meeting hundreds of families and parents, Aoife became increasingly aware of a significant gap in support for parents who are new to the autism world. Many families notice early differences in their child’s development but feel unsure where to turn, particularly when they are not yet ready to pursue formal assessments or diagnoses.
Aoife offers online parent consultations, providing a supportive space for parents to talk things through, gain clarity, and receive practical guidance around early development and neurodivergence. These sessions are not assessments or diagnostic services.
Aoife O'Carroll, Co-Founder & Early Intervention Specialist
Kelly brings a strong and varied background in supporting children with additional needs and their families. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Limerick and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis from NUI Galway.
Kelly has extensive experience working both one-to-one and in group settings with children from a range of backgrounds. She previously worked within a Family Resource Centre on the north side of Limerick, supporting children with additional needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her work there included facilitating small group programmes, individual support sessions, and mindfulness-based activities designed to support children’s emotional regulation and wellbeing. She was also involved in the development and resourcing of sensory spaces, helping to secure funding and create environments that support children’s sensory and emotional needs.
Prior to this, Kelly worked in one-to-one home-based tuition, supporting young children in their own environments and working closely with families to promote consistency and carryover of skills.
Since Aoife and Áine had their babies, Kelly has taken on the role of leading the group sessions, bringing a fun, thoughtful, and child-centred approach to her work. She is highly attuned to children’s individual needs and is passionate about creating supportive, inclusive spaces where children can engage, connect, and develop at their own pace.