Matthew Lerner, PhD

Lerner is an associate professor, director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab, and leader of the Life Course Outcomes program at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. He is an expert on the study of how people with autism form social connections.

Lerner's research focuses on understanding the intricate processes underlying social development and connection across the lifespan of autistic people. His work explores perception, cognition, behavior and context to develop new models of social functioning across the range of neurodiverse populations. As part of this work, Lerner develops, implements, and tests novel interventions to facilitate social connection for those who may otherwise struggle to do so. His work also supports community and clinic-based approaches to improve quality of life, via person-centered approaches and lab-based experimental designs.

Lerner has developed innovative programs such as the Socio-Dramatic Affective Relational Intervention program, an improvisation theater program for autistic youth to help them build social confidence and connections, and is supported by Lin Manuel Miranda’s Miranda Family Fund.

Lerner can also discuss a range of autism-related topics from the importance of research and funding to generalized questions about autism.