Autism researcher named distinguished professor

Director of IU’s Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Dr. Cathy Pratt, has been honored with a recent appointment to distinguished professor in her field of autism study with the receipt of the Mark R. Shibles Distinguished Visiting Professor Award from the University of Maine.

A distinguished professorship is the most prestigious academic rank at IU. Nominations are evaluated by the University Distinguished Ranks Committee, which recommends appointments to the president and the trustees.

“Cathy’s appointment certainly brings recognition to herself and to the IRCA,” said Joel Fosha, manager of the Office of Marketing and Public Relations at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. “We serve children and adults on the autism spectrum by helping them establish goals and making sure they are able to meet those goals in typical home, school and community settings. We also conduct research and provide outreach training.”
Pratt, who has been involved with autism for more than 30 years, has received numerous other awards and honors, including the 2005 Princeton Fellowship Award, recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 and being called to the White House in 2009 to “provide feedback on the president’s initiatives for autism spectrum disorders,” according to her biography.

“I am deeply honored with this appointment,” Pratt said. “Working with individuals with autism has been my life’s work and something I feel blessed and honored to do. With the right support and guidance, individuals with autism can lead successful lives.”