Researcher Details |

Kathryn O'Mahony

Contact Details

F347

T:Ext. 9068

E:kathryn.omahony@dcu.ie

Assistant Professor

F347
T:Ext. 9068

E:kathryn.omahony@dcu.ie

Kathryn completed her MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) in 2010. Following this she received her Board Certification as a Behaviour Analyst from the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) in 2011. Kathryn also holds a psychology degree from NUIG (BA International; H.Dip Psych). Prior to joining the School of Inclusive and Special Education, Kathryn worked as an Educational Director in special schools, working collaboratively in the development of appropriate educational and behaviour support plans for autistic learners with co occurring needs. Teaching and research interests include teacher professional development, assessment and evidence informed practice in autism classes and special schools. Kathryn currently coordinates the Department of Education funded Induction course for teachers of learners with a severe to profound intellectual disability in the School of Inclusive and Special Education. Kathryn is also a PhD candidate at the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs ( DISN) at the University of Birmingham under the supervision Professor Karen Guldberg exploring the professional learning needs of teachers educating autistic learners with a co occurring intellectual disability.

Published Report

	Year	Publication
	2024	Kazmierczak-Murray, S.; O'Mahony, K.; Carey, A. (2024) Scoping Review on the Inclusion of Disabled Children and Young People in Participation and Decision-Making. Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, .
	2024	Kazmierczak-Murray, S.; O'Mahony, K.; Carey, A. (2024) Removing Barriers: A scoping document to inform the development of resources on the inclusion of disabled children and young people in participation in decision-making. Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, .

Peer Reviewed Journal

	Year	Publication
	2022	Skehan, E and O'Mahony ,K (2022) 'An Irish Study of the Perspectives of Special Class Teachers and Special School Teachers of Toileting Differences Experienced by Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum'. REACH - Journal of Inclusive Education in Ireland, 35 (2).
	2021	O Mahony, K (2021) 'Review: The Everyday Autism Handbook for Schools: 60+ Essential Guides for Staff'. REACH - Journal of Inclusive Education in Ireland, .

Conference Publication

	Year	Publication
	2021	Forde D; O'Mahony K (2021) American Education Research Association (AERA) Virtual Annual Meeting 2021 *Continuum of Professional Development; Teacher education for additional needs* Online,
	2010	Kathryn O Mahony (2010) Fourth Annual Division of Behaviour Analysis Conference *Increasing and maintaining the spontaneous tacting repertoires of pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder*

Conference Contribution

	Year	Publication
	2024	O'Mahony, K.; Kazmierczak-Murray, S. (2024) Innovations in Inclusive Education Conference, Vilnus University Inclusion of Disabled Children and Young People in Participation in Decision-Making: Lessons from Ireland Vilnus, Lithuania, .
	2020	O Mahony, K (2020) Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) 2020 Thesis Title: Exploring Professional Development for teachers of learners with Autism/Autistic Learners And Intellectual Disability using AN Appreciative Inquiry MOdel Virtual, .

Professional Associations

Association	Function	From / To
Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education (IATSE).	Research in Special Education	-
Division of Behaviour Analysis (DBA) (PSI)	Professional body for behaviour analysts in Ireland	-
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).	Professional body of psychology in the Republic of Ireland	-
Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI).	Educational Research	-

Honors and Awards

Date	Title	Awarding Body
01/04/2024	DCU Presidents Award for Engagement	Office of Civic Engagement DCU
01/01/2020	IOE Staff Research Travel Awards Scheme	DCU, Institute of Education
01/01/2020	HEA Stimulus Programme for Module SI718	Higher Education Authority
01/01/2022	IOE Research Elevator Scheme (1,500 euro)	The DCU Institute of Education

Committees

	Committee	Function	From / To
	Danú Community Special School		-
	Faculty Ethics Review Panel		-
	Editorial Board Reach Journal of Special Needs Education in Ireland		-
	Division of Behaviour Analysis		-

Education

	Start date	Institution	Qualification	Subject
		University of Birmingham	Postgraduate Certificate
		NUIG	Master of Science
		NUIG	Higher Diploma in Psychology
		NUIG	B.A. (Hons)

Enterprise Engagement

	Year	Engagement Type	Client	Description
	2017	Consultancy	Behavior Analytic Certification Board Inc.	BCBA supervision

Research Interests

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Methods

Participation of children with severe and profound general learning disabilities

Education of pupils with severe and profound general learning disability

Understanding behaviour as communication: theories, assessment and intervention.

Evidence Informed Practice

Teacher professional learning for teachers in special schools and special classes

Teaching Interests