About Theory of Mind Matters
About Dr. Karin
My name is Dr. Karin O'Reilly. I am a sole trader and run a small, private consultancy business "Theory of Mind Matters". I am dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes for Deaf and hard of hearing children that use Auslan as a primary or preferred language. I believe that understanding language and cognitive processes is key to unlocking each child's potential.
I am a highly experienced and qualified Teacher of the Deaf specialising in theory of mind, language deprivation, and bilingual language development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. I hold a PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Queensland (2022), a Master’s in Deafness and Communication from Macquarie University (1998), a Bachelor of Education from James Cook University (1996), and a Bachelor of Teaching (Special Education - Hearing Impairment) Teacher of the Deaf qualification from Griffith University (1991). I also hold NAATI Certification as a Auslan/English Certified Interpreter (1996) Practioner ID CPN3BD63S.
As a Coda (Child of Deaf Adults), I am a native and fluent user of both Auslan and English, bringing personal and professional expertise to my work. In this photo to the left, I am signing my name sign "Karin" with the Irish "K" handshape honouring my Deaf Father's Irish heritage.
Karin's Professional Services
Karin offers a wide range of face-to-face or virtual professional services, including:
- Consultancy & Training: Expertise in sign bilingualism, Deaf education, and strategies to support theory of mind and language development, as well as serving as an expert witness in legal settings.
- NDIS Assessments: Specialised assessments in language, communication, and Theory of Mind for NDIS self- & plan-managed Deaf participants. Linguistically valid Auslan-based assessments that provide clear, defensible reports aligned to NDIS functional capacity and participant goals.
- Presentations and Professional Development: Engaging workshops and tailored training sessions in theory of mind, language deprivation, bilingual pedagogy and language development for educators, sign language interpreters, Auslan language models, parents, therapists, and allied professionals.
- Auslan/English Certified Interpreter Services: NAATI-certified professional interpreting services to bridge communication needs effectively.
Karin is dedicated to fostering effective communication and improving language, literacy, theory of mind and educational outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and for those who support them.
_crop.jpg/:/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true,m/cr=w:1209,h:1209)
Dr. Karin's experience
Karin brings 35 years of expertise as a qualified, registered and highly experienced Teacher of the Deaf, Educator and NAATI Auslan/English Certified Interpreter. Specialising in developing intensive language programs, Auslan and Theory of Mind assessments and interventions, Karin actively teaches Deaf children experiencing language deprivation supporting their language and literacy development and communication needs.
Based in Far North Queensland, Karin is also a highly experienced presenter, delivering engaging professional development and training sessions tailored to educators, interpreters, Auslan language models, parents, and allied professionals. Her extensive knowledge and skills ensure impactful outcomes for those she supports.
Publications
O'Reilly, K. E. K. (2022). See what I think: advancing the story of theory of mind in Australian Deaf and hard of hearing native and late signers. Unpublished manuscript.
Peterson, C. C., O’Reilly, K., & Wellman, H. M. (2016). Deaf and hearing children’s development of theory of mind, peer popularity, and leadership during middle childhood. Journal of experimental child psychology, 149, 146-158.
O'Reilly, K., Peterson, C. C., & Wellman, H. M. (2014). Sarcasm and advanced theory of mind understanding in children and adults with prelingual deafness. Developmental psychology, 50(7), 1862.
Fayd’herbe, K., & Teuma, R. (2010). Interpreting for Indigenous Australian Deaf Clients in Far North Queensland, Australia, within the Legal Context. Interpreting in Multilingual, Multicultural Contexts, 158-94. *N.B. This publication was printed using a previous married surname.
Dr. O’Reilly has a track record of research and associated publications/ conference presentations. Her primary area of research and publication is in the field of deafness, language deprivation and theory of mind development in deaf and hard of hearing populations.
