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Faculty Experts
Associate Professor
School of Education
Expertise:
autism
special education
Contact:
james.e.connell@drexel.edu
215.571.3435
Connell has a doctorate in school psychology, is a nationally certified school psychologist and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He also currently serves as clinical director for Eastern Region Autism Service Education Research and Training (ASERT). Connell’s former appointment was in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine with a secondary appointment in The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Center for Autism Research (CAR). Prior to Penn, he was an assistant professor at Temple University. While his research interests are varied, one main theme has emerged over the years: identifying the variables that influence adult behavior change in community settings that facilitate the implementation of evidence-based therapies. To this end, he has researched and extensively studied models of community-based consultation and their relative effectiveness on program implementation for special needs populations.
More information about Connell
For news media inquiries, contact Emily Storz at els332@drexel.edu, 215.895.2705 (office) or 609.351.3592 (cell).
Researchers Still Don't Know Why N.J. Has Highest Autism Rate in Country
Jim Connell, PhD, an associate professor in the School of Education and clinical core director in the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, was quoted in an April 13 Philly Voice story about high autism diagnosis rates in New Jersey.
Drexel's autism institute hits the road
Jennifer Plumb, DSW, director of the outreach core in the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, was quoted in a Philadelphia Business Journal article on April 22 about the institute’s new Mobile REACH van for outreach and research. The Westphal College was also mentioned for holding a competition among students to create the van’s customized interior and exterior design.
Studying movement and learning in autism
Dr. James Connell, clinical director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, was quoted in an August 4 Philadelphia Inquirer article about discrete trial training in autism research.
Drexel's Lilypad Makes It Easier For Teachers To Take Notes Too
Researchers from Drexel University’s College of Computing & Informatics, the School of Education and the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute are trying making it easier for behavioral health professionals in the classroom to stick to their plans and understand how well they’re working. Their solution: an information tracking system called Lilypad helps behavioral specialists take notes in real time and track students' progress — even in chaotic classroom environments.
Drexel and Sixers Youth Foundation Team Up to Promote Healthy Behaviors for Middle School Students
Middle school students in West Philadelphia will learn strategies to achieve better physical and emotional health through a new collaboration between Drexel University and the Sixers Youth Foundation, a charitable initiative of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hitting the Streets for Autism Outreach With a Clinic on Wheels
The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University can’t contain its efforts within the walls of a building — so it is now hitting the road with a custom-outfitted van, called Mobile REACH, to extend autism outreach and clinical research activities into the community.
Q&A with James Connell: Checking in With the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
Dr. James Connell, who joined Drexel last year as the clinical director of the A.J Drexel Autism Institute, shared with DrexelNow some of the latest developments at the institute since its launch last year.
Autism Outreach on Wheels: Students Design Mobile Clinics for A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
The newly established A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University is hitting the road with design assistance from students in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Students are developing designs for the interior and exterior of a vehicle that will be used as a mobile clinic for research and community outreach, the first mobile unit for autism in the Philadelphia region.