Associate Professor
Community Health and Prevention, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
ml3823@drexel.edu

Degrees

PhD, University of Virginia, Clinical Psychology
MA, University of Virginia, Psychology
BA, Wesleyan University, Philosophy

Bio

Matthew D. Lerner, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Prevention and the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.

At the Autism Institute Dr. Lerner serves as director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab and Life Course Outcomes program leader.

At the heart of Dr. Lerner's research lies a dedication to understanding the intricate processes underlying social development and connection across the lifespan. His work explores perception, cognition, behavior, and context to develop new models of social functioning across the range of neurodiverse populations, and develops, implements, and tests novel interventions to facilitate social connection for those who may otherwise struggle to do so.

He leverages advanced quantitative methods (e.g., machine learning, person-centered and multivariate models, longitudinal analysis via HLM and latent difference modeling), electrophysiology (e.g., event-related potentials [ERP]) and multi-method and lifespan-relevant assessment (e.g., observational, multi-informant, ecological momentary analysis [EMA]), ongoing community engagement methods, and dissemination and implementation methodologies to support community and clinic-based approaches to improve quality of life via person-center approaches and lab-based experimental designs.

Read Dr. Lerner's full bio on the Autism Institute website.

Research Interests

• Autism
• Community Engaged Research
• Health Disparities
• Mental Health
• Neurodevelopmental and Neurological Disorders

Publications

See Dr. Lerner's full list of publications on NCBI