Therapy Assistant
Inês Araújo
"To me, inclusion means ensuring every child has genuine access to learning, participation, and social connection in a way that respects their individual profile and supports them to thrive."
What are your qualifications?
Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, certification as a Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) through the IBAO, and a member of the Portuguese Psychologists Association.
Tell us a little about your clinical experience.
I have clinical experience across forensic, community mental health, and developmental settings. I began working as a Clinical Psychologist in Portugal in correctional services, supporting incarcerated individuals through psychological care and rehabilitation-focused interventions, with a particular emphasis on reintegration and transition back into the community. I then worked in a community mental health centre with adults experiencing various mental health difficulties, providing assessment, therapeutic support, and ongoing clinical follow-up. Since 2024, I have focused on children and adolescents with learning difficulties, particularly autism spectrum disorder, delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy across home, clinic, and school environments. Since October 2025, I have been based in Australia, where I am furthering my training to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst while continuing to work directly with children and families in ABA-focused practice.
What drew you to working with children with additional needs?
A moment that made me think “yes, this is exactly where I’m meant to be” was when I helped a child learn to communicate through a system tailored to him, which meant he no longer needed to rely on aggression towards himself or others to express his needs. Seeing that shift in his daily life, and the positive impact it had on his family as well, really stayed with me.
What does inclusion mean to you?
To me, inclusion means ensuring every child has genuine access to learning, participation, and social connection in a way that respects their individual profile and supports them to thrive. It’s about more than just being present in a setting: it’s about being part of a mindset and a way of living where the child is understood, valued, and meaningfully supported in everyday life.
What was your special interest as a child?
My special interest as a child was playing with Polly Pocket: dressing and undressing them over and over again for hours.
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