Professor Kirby is a parent of an adult with specific learning difficulties, and a former GP and was the founder of the specialist centre, The Dyscovery Centre, providing help for Dyslexia, DCD, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders which opened in 1997.This is based at The University of South Wales, where she holds a chair as a Professor in Developmental Disorders in Education. She is also the Chief Executive of Do IT Solutions, an online computer profiling company, providing assistance from education and into employment for potential employees with specific learning difficulties, and working with educators and employers.