Patricia Kurtz

Dr. Patricia Kurtz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of Neurobehavioral Outpatient Services at Kennedy Krieger Institute. She holds an adjunct appointment in psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her expertise spans behavioral psychology, with a focus on developmental disabilities and severe behavioral problems in children. Dr. Kurtz received her PhD in psychology from Claremont Graduate School (1991) and completed postdoctoral training at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins.

Her research emphasizes early intervention for self-injurious behavior and aggression, including risk factors, treatment efficacy, and long-term outcomes. She has pioneered behavioral treatment models for children with developmental disorders, focusing on functional communication training and prevention strategies. Dr. Kurtz is a licensed psychologist and active member of professional organizations like the Association for Behavior Analysis.

Key contributions include studies on fragile X syndrome, SYNGAP1-related disorders, and prenatal drug exposure impacts. Her work bridges clinical practice and research, addressing gaps in behavioral management across pediatric populations. Collaborations with institutions like the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins underscore her translational research approach.