2810 East Discovery Parkway
Bloomington, IN 47408
Dr. Cathy Pratt is the director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and the Indiana School Mental Health Initiative at Indiana’s Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University, Bloomington. Dr. Pratt is also a board certified behavior analyst.
Pratt's work spans many areas, including autism spectrum disorders, applied behavior analysis, positive behavior supports, evidence-based teaching practices, 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.
Pratt holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education from Indiana University, a Master’s in Education from University of Illinois, and a Doctorate in Education and Public Policy from Indiana University.
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. In my work at Indian Resource Center for Autism, I have 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 is 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.