- Email:
- prattc@indiana.edu
Dr. Cathy Pratt is a research associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and at the Irsay Institute at Indiana University. She is the former director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and the Indiana School Mental Health Initiative. Dr. Pratt is a board-certified behavior analyst.
Pratt work spans many areas, including autism spectrum disorders, applied behavior analysis, positive behavior supports, evidence-based teaching practices, co-occurring mental health and policy. A common focus of her work is on local capacity building and creating communities of practice. Pratt’s work has been distributed worldwide and has been widely disseminated across various outlets, such as peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, magazines, via media outlets, legislative reports, and presentations.
Degrees
Pratt holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Indiana University, a Master’s in Education from the University of Illinois, and a Doctorate in Education and Public Policy from Indiana University.
Personal Statement
I have a passion for working on behalf of those who are perceived as presenting the greatest challenge (e.g., problematic behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, mental health challenges) and for building systems and local capacity to support these individuals and their families. This passion began as a classroom teacher and has continued through decades of experiences in a variety of settings. As the former director of the IRCA, I had the opportunity to build a statewide network of autism leaders and behavior consultants, serve on local and national boards, impact policy at both the state and national level, testify to congress, develop and disseminate information nationally and internationally, consult on behalf of individuals with autism, and train on a variety of topics across the country and beyond. My desire was to not only promote the systematic implementation of best practices, but also to change the lens of all who define individuals in term of their deficits instead of their strengths.
Research Interests
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Behavior Support/Applied Behavior Analysis
- Evidence-Based Practices
- Implementation
- Mental Health/Social-Emotional Learning
- Public Policy
Publications
- Pratt, C. (2023). Designing positive behavior support approaches. In P. Wolfberg (Ed.), Educating individuals on the autism spectrum. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Co.
- Raches, C., Tomlin, S. M., & Pratt, C. (2019). Integrating applied behavior analysis in infant/early childhood mental health: Implications for early intensive intervention in autism. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder, 6(3), 246-254.
- Pratt, C. (2022). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in Indiana.
- Pratt, C., & Steward, L. (2018). Applied behavior analysis: The role of task analysis and chaining.
- Pratt, C. (2013). Indiana Resource Center for Autism: Promoting local capacity statewide through research, education, and policy. In P. Doehring (Ed.), Autism services across America: Roadmaps for improving state and national education, research, and training programs (pp. 185-193). Brookes Publishing Co.
Awards and Honors
- ICASE Distinguished Service Award
- Autism Society of America: Individual Achievement Award
- Princeton Fellowship Award
- Recognition by United States House of Representatives
- Distinguished Service Award: Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
- Charles Heineman Allied Professional Award through the Indiana Psychological Association