Provost and Senior Vice President

Patricia Prelock, Ph.D., is Provost and Senior Vice-President, University of Vermont. Formerly, she was the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Vermont for 10 years. She is also a Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders, and Professor of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Dr. Prelock received her Ph.D. in speech-language pathology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Prelock is a recognized expert in the nature and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and has been awarded more than $24 million dollars in university, state and federal funding as a PI or Co-PI to develop innovations in interdisciplinary training supporting children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, to facilitate training in speech-language pathology, and to support her intervention work in ASD. She has over 211 publications and 585 peer-reviewed and invited presentations/ keynotes in the areas of autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, collaboration, IPE, leadership, and language learning disabilities. In 2019, she was named Associate Editor for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Dr. Prelock received the University of Vermont’s Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award in 2000, was named an ASHA Fellow in 2000 and a University of Vermont Scholar in 2003. In 2011, she was named the Cecil & Ida Green Honors Professor Visiting Scholar at Texas Christian University and in 2015 Dr. Prelock was named a Distinguished Alumna of the University of Pittsburgh. In 2016, she received the ASHA Honors of the Association and in 2017 she was named a Distinguished Alumna of Cardinal Mooney High School. Dr. Prelock also received the 2018 Jackie M. Gribbons Leadership Award from Vermont Women in Higher Education. Dr. Prelock is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language and was named a Fellow in the National Academies of Practice (NAP) in speech-language pathology in 2018. She was the 2013 President for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and was President of the ASHFoundation in 2020 and 2021, and currently serves as past president through 2023.

Research and/or Creative Works

My current research investigates the nature and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) emphasizing the role of social communication and perspective taking as important components of social cognition. My colleagues and I have developed both a parent informant and child measure of theory of mind that have been used as outcome measures for assessing intervention effects following the use of social stories and comic strip conversations. We have also been involved in developing parent training to support joint attention, social communication and narrative book reading in young children with ASD. Both in the past and currently, I have been engaged in the applications of family-centered care to support the effective communication of individuals with significant disabilities and their families to increase their access to care and evidence-based interventions recognizing their unique communication needs. I have also been engaged in interdisciplinary research, examining best practice models for assessment and intervention planning that are family-centered and culturally competent and most recently healthcare transition for autistic teens and adults. I have more than 30 years of experience mentoring students in clinically-applied research and have secured more than $24,000,000 as a PI or Co-PI in training and research grants to support the interdisciplinary education, leadership and research skills of master's, doctoral and post-doctoral students across the disciplines of speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, medicine, social work, nutrition and education. I have a strong working relationship with collaborators in psychology and education, the Center for Disability and community Inclusion, and in neuroscience and psychiatry in the Larner College of Medicine, where I have a secondary appointment in pediatrics.

Publications

Selected Journal Articles (last 10 years; * indicates current or former UG/G students and post docs)

  • *Han, Y., Rizzo, D. M., Hanley, J.P., Coderre, E.L., & Prelock, P.A. (2022). Identifying neuroanatomical and behavioral features for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in children using machine learning. PLOS ONE.
  • *Hutchins, T.L., *Lewis, L., Prelock, P.A. and *Brien, A. (2021). The development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of the Theory of Mind Inventory: Self Report – Adult (ToMI:SR-Adult). Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders 51, 1839-1851.
  • *McDermott, H.R., Prelock, P.A., & *Brien, A. (2020). Mental state expression during peer play: A comparison of typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 35, (2), 108-117.
  • *Crehan, E., Althoff, R. R., Hutchins, T.L., Prelock, P.A., & Riehl, H.N. (2020). Me, reporting on myself: Preliminary evaluation of the criterion-related validity of the Theory of Mind Inventory when completed by autistic young adults. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 50(2),659-664.
  • Bruder, M.S., Bullock, J., Ziegler, D., Catalino, T., Chiarello, L., Mitchell, M.C., Deppe, J., LeMoine, S., Miller, E. I., Gundler, D., Kemp, P., Stayton, V., Long, T., Muhlenhaupt, M., Prelock, P.A., Schefkind, S., M. (2019). Finding a common lens: Competencies across professional disciplines providing early child intervention. Infants and Young Children, 32 (4), 280-293.
  • *Hutchins, T. L., & Prelock, P.A. (2018). Using story-based interventions to improve episodic memory in ASD. Seminars in Speech and Language, 39(2), 125-143 (Invited, editor level review)
  • Prelock, P.A., Melvin, C., Lemieux, N., Melekis, K., Velleman, S., & Favro, MA. (2017). One Team: Patient, Family, & Healthcare Providers-An IPE Activity Providing Collaborative and Palliative Care. Seminars in Speech and Language, 38 (5), 350-359. (Invited, editor level review)
  • Prelock, P.A., *Potvin, M.C., & *Savard, L. (2017). Interprofessional education and practice (IPE/P): A family-centered approach to autism. Seminars in Speech and Language, 38 (5), 360-367. (Invited, editor level review)
  • *Potvin, M.C., Prelock, P.A., & *Savard, L. (2017). Supporting children with autism and their families: A culturally-responsive family-driven interprofessional process. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 65, 47-57.
  • *Hutchins, T.L., *Deraway, C., Prelock, P.A., & *O’Neill, A. (2017). Mothers’ and children’s storytelling: A study of dyads with typically developing children and children with ASD. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 47 (5), 1288-1304. DOI 10.1007/s10803-016-3022-z
  • *Menon, P.R., Rabinowitz, T., Prelock, P. A., Rose, G.L., & Stapleton, R.D. (2016). Clinicians’ perceptions of telemedicine for conducting family conferences prior to transfer to a tertiary care center intensive care unit. J Int Soc Telemed eHealth, 4, e20.
  • *Hutchins, T. L., Prelock, P.A., Morris, H., Benner, J.B., LaVigne, T., & Hoza, B. (2016). Theory of mind competence vs. theory of mind performance: A comparison of typically developing males, males with ASD, and males with ADHD. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 21, 94-108.
  • *DiLaurenzio, A., & Prelock, P.A. (2016). Use of social networking online and social emotions in ASD and neurotypical populations. Austin Journal of Autism & Related Disabilities, 2 (1), 1-7.
  • Olswang, L., & Prelock, P.A. (2015). Bridging the gap between research and practice: Implementation science. Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research 58 (6),S1818-26. doi: 10.1044/2015_JSLHR-L-14-0305. PubMed PMID: 26262822.
  • Prelock, P.A., & Deppe, J. (2015). Speech-language pathology: Preparing early interventionists. Infants and Young Children, 28 (2), 150-164.
  • Prelock, P. A., (2015). DSM-5 Changes: Understanding the social challenges in children with ASD. Perspectives in Language Learning and Education, 22 (1), 5-12.
  • *Potvin, M.-C., Snider, L., Prelock, P. A., Kehayia, E. & Wood-Dauphinee, S. (2015). Health-related quality of life in children with high-functioning autism. Autism. Jan;19(1):14-9. doi: 10.1177/1362361313509730. Epub 2013 Nov 8. PubMed PMID: 24212259.
  • *Herbert, M.J., Kehayia, E., Prelock, P.A., Wood-Dauphinee, S., & Snider, L. (2014). Does occupational therapy play a role for communication in children with autism spectrum disorders? Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2014 Dec;16(6):594-602. doi: 10.3109/17549507.2013.876665. Epub 2014 Jan 27. PubMed PMID: 24460071.
  • *Foran Lewandowksi, J.*, Hutchins, T., Prelock, P.A., & Close, D.M. (2014). Examining the benefit of including a sibling in story-based interventions with a child with Asperger syndrome. Contemporary Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 41, 179-195.
  • *Hutchins, T., & Prelock, P.A. (2014). Using communication to reduce challenging behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014 Jan;23(1):41-55. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2013.07.003. Epub 2013 Sep 11. Review. PubMed PMID: 24231166.
  • *Potvin, M.-C., Snider, L., Prelock, P.A., Kehayia, E., & Dauphinee, S. W. (2013). Recreational participation of children with High Functioning Autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Feb;43(2):445-57. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1589-6. PubMed PMID: 22752846.
  • *Potvin, M.-C., Snider, L., Prelock, P., Kehayia, E., & Wood-Dauphinee, S. (2013). Children's assessment of participation and enjoyment/preference for activities of children: psychometric properties in a population with high-functioning autism. Am J Occup Ther. 2013 Mar-Apr;67(2):209-17. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2013.006288. PubMed PMID: 23433276.
  • *Hutchins, T & Prelock P.A. (2013). Parents’ perceptions of their children’s social behaviors: The social validity of Social StoriesTM and comic strip conversations. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions 15 (3), 156-168. DOI:10.1177/1098300712457418.
  • Prelock, P.A., & *Hutchins, T1. (2013). (1first authorship shared) The social validity of Social Stories™ for supporting the behavioural and communicative functioning of children with autism spectrum disorder. Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2013 Aug;15(4):383-95. doi: 10.3109/17549507.2012.743174. Epub 2012 Dec 6. PubMed PMID: 23216418.
  • *Vivian, L., *Hutchins, T., & Prelock, P.A. (2012). A family centered approach for training parents to use comic strip conversations with their child with autism. Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders, 39, 30-42.

Selected Books

  • Brien, A., Hutchins, T., & Prelock, P. (2023). Supporting social learning in autism: An Autobiographical memory program to promote communication & connection. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
  • Prelock, P.A., & McCauley, R. J. (2021, Editors). Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence-based intervention strategies for communication and social interaction-2nd edition. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
  • Prelock, P.A., & McCauley, R. J. (2021, Editors). People with ASD—Problems and Possibilities: A casebook for the Treatment of ASD. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.
  • Prelock, P. A. (2019). Communication assessment and intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders-2ndedition. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed Publishers.
  • Prelock, P. A., & Hutchins, T. L. (2018). Clinical guide to assessment and treatment of communication disorders. F. R. Volkmar, Editor. NY: Springer.
  • Prelock, P.A., & McCauley, R. J. (2017, Editors). Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence-based intervention strategies for communication and social interaction. Korean Language edition, Seoul, Korea: Hakjisa Publisher, Inc.
  • Prelock, P.A. & *Ehlers, C. (2013). Effect of listener and context on children’s stories. ISBN 978-3-639-70320-7. Saarbrucken, Germany: Scholars Press.
  • Prelock, P.A., & McCauley, R. J. (2012, Editors). Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence-based intervention strategies for communication and social interaction. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

Selected Chapters and Reviews

  • Prelock, P.A., & Brien, A. R. (in press). Assessing communication in autism spectrum disorders. In F. R. Volkmar (Ed.), Handbook of Autism & Pervasive Developmental Disorders, 5th edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Potvin, M.C., Beaudoin Savard, L., Deibler, A.N., Lasalle, M.E., & Prelock, P.A. (in press). Promoting recreational engagement in children with autism spectrum disorders. In F. R. Volkmar (Ed.), Handbook of Autism & Pervasive Developmental Disorders, 5th edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Prelock, P.A., Brien, A.R., & McCadden, E.R. (in press). Evidence-based treatments in communication for children with autism spectrum disorders. In B. Reichow, P. Doehring, D. V. Cicchetti, & F. R. Volkmar (Eds.), Evidence-base treatments for children with autism-2nd edition. NY: Springer.
  • Prelock, P.A. (in press). Review of the Clinical Assessment of Articulation and Phonology-2nd edition. The Mental Measurements Yearbook-23rd editions. Lincoln, NE: Buros Center for Testing.
  • Prelock, P.A. (in press). Review of the WELLS. The Mental Measurements Yearbook-23rd editions. Lincoln, NE: Buros Center for Testing.
  • Prelock, P.A. (2021). Autism spectrum disorders. In J. Damico, N. Muller, M.J. Ball (Eds.) The handbook of language and speech disorders-2nd edition (pp. 131-151). Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell
  • Bodha, M.N., Bucklew, N.S., Cross, JF., Glaser, J.M., Glover, J., Johnsen, J.R., Lane, J.E., Lee, B.A., MacTaggart, T., Bgney, T., & Prelock, P.A. (2021). Reflections from institutional/administrative leaders: Provost reflection on academic collective bargaining in higher education. UNIONS ON CAMPUS; Managing labor management relationships proactively, fairly and effectively. Routledge Press
  • Prelock, P.A. & Brien, A. (2021). Family-centered practice. In R. Paul & E. Simmons (Eds.), Introduction to clinical methods in communication disorders-4th edition (pp.305-328). MD: Brookes Publishing.
  • Prelock, P.A. (2019, 2021). Review of the Oral Passage Understanding Scale. The Mental Measurements Yearbook-20th and 21st editions. Lincoln, NE: Buros Center for Testing.
  • Prelock, P.A. (2019, 2021). Review of Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts. The Mental Measurements Yearbook-20th & 21st editions. Lincoln, NE: Buros Center for Testing.

Awards and Recognition

Selected Awards

  • 2020 Honorary Membership, Golden Key International Honour Society, UVM
  • 2019 Visiting Scholar, Prince Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
  • 2018 Jackie M. Gribbons Leadership Award, Vermont Women in Higher Education
  • 2018 Fellow, National Academies of Practice {NAP} in Speech-Language Pathology
  • 2017 Nominee for Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, Graduate Student Senate, UVM
  • 2017 Special Recognition, General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Ohio Senate, Distinguished Alumni of CMHS
  • 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award, Cardinal Mooney High School (CMHS)
  • 2016 Honors of the Association, American Speech-Language Hearing Association
  • 2016 Meritorious Poster Submission, American Speech-Language Hearing Association, ASHA Convention, Philadelphia
  • 2016 Integrative Healthcare Leadership Program, Duke University
  • 2015 Distinguished Alumna, CSD Department, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
  • 2014 Editor’s Award, Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders
  • 2011 Cecil & Ida Green Honors Professor, Texas Christian University Visiting Scholar
  • 2010 Puppet’s Choice Award in Autism, VT Kids on the Block & Puppets in Education
  • 2003 University Scholar, University of Vermont
  • 2000 Fellow, American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • 2000 Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Vermont
  • 2000 First Annual Autism Society of Vermont Excellence in Service Award

Associations and Affiliations

Current

  • American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • American Speech-Language and Hearing Foundation
  • ASHA Special Interest Division 1: Language Learning & Education
  • National Academy of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Vermont Speech & Hearing Association
Patricia Prelock

Areas of Expertise and/or Research

Autism spectrum disorders, Family centered care, Interprofessional education and practice, Child language, Developmental disorders

Education

  • Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh
  • M.A. Kent State University
  • B.S. Kent State University

Contact

Phone:
  • 802-656-1417
Office Location:

304 Waterman Building

Office Hours:

Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., other times by appointment

Courses Taught

  • Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorders