Social Connections & Treatment Lab - SCTL

12/06/2025

This upcoming Monday, December 8th, we are hosting a Lunch & Learn on “Debunking the Empathy Myth,” part of the Introduction to the Science and Lived Experience of Autism (ISLEA) program. This event is hosted in collaboration with the Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming (GISP from Salus) and is taking place from 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET via Zoom.

This session is a great opportunity to showcase ISLEA—an innovative program that pairs scientific and lived-experience perspectives to challenge myths and deepen understanding of autism.

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/aee41185-8314-4865-b595-c1a8a1e6ce85/regProcessStep1
Autism Life Course Outcomes Research Social Connections & Treatment Lab - SCTL

12/06/2025

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Matthew Lerner, a leading researcher and advocate for neurodivergence-affirming practices. Dr. Lerner is the Director of the S...

12/06/2025

Seeking Autistic Adults to Take Part in a Research Study!

We are looking for autistic adults (18-30 years old) to help us understand their experiences participating in social groups. Our hope is for participants to learn helpful skills, enjoy social group activities, and potentially form friendships with other group members.

Call/text 215-571-3219, email SCTL@drexel.edu or scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more.

Social Connections & Treatment Lab - SCTL Autism Life Course Outcomes Research Philadelphia Autism Project

11/26/2025

We are pleased to share that The Drexel/Salus University Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming and the AJ Drexel Autism Institute invite you to this special session of

*Introduction to the Science and Lived Experience of Autism: Debunking the Empathy Myth* on Monday, December 8, 2025 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET via Zoom.
This will be presented by Dr. Matthew Lerner and Ava Gurba from Autism Life Course Outcomes ResearchProgram Area and the Social Connections and Treatment Lab!

For more information, and to register, please visit:

10/28/2025

Calling Autistic Adults to Join Community Council on Participatory Study on Social Loneliness in Autistic Young Adults!

The Social Experiences of Loneliness of Autistic Adults (SELA) Project at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is forming a Community Council of autistic adults (ages 18–35) to help guide a 5-year study on loneliness and social connection.

Community Council members will partner with researchers to make sure that all parts of the research reflect the experiences, priorities, and needs of the autistic community. Community Council members will have a say in many important decisions on the project.

No research experience needed — your lived experience is your expertise. Council members will help shape research materials, outreach, and how findings are shared.

We are currently looking for autistic adults who live in the United States. Participation is remote (using Zoom, phone/text, and email), so you can participate from anywhere in the US.

Community Council members are paid for their time. We encourage autistic adults with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Please feel free to share this post/flyer with anyone who may be interested.

Interested? Email Kyle Chvasta at kc3673@drexel.edu to learn more and apply.

AJ Drexel Autism Institute Autism Life Course Outcomes Research

10/06/2025

SCTL Director Matt Lerner and Dr. Elliot Keenan were featured in an article in the Guardian explaining what Leucovorin is.

This week the FDA approved the generic drug as a treatment for autism – a move that shocked health experts

10/06/2025

SCTL Director Matt Lerner and Dena Gassner recently participated in a panel with colleagues at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute discussing recent questions in the public about autism.

If you missed the panel or want to watch it again, the recording is freely available to watch on YouTube. You can find the link below.

Join experts from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute as we address urgent questions raised by recent national discussions on autism. Topics include Tylenol, v...

10/06/2025

SCTL Director Matt Lerner was recently featured in a special report on autism on NewsNation. You can find the clip below.

During the NewsNation special report “Born Lucky,” host of On Balance Leland Vittert explained there is a reckoning right now about parents and the role, specifically, fathers play.

09/27/2025

Please join members of our team and colleagues at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute talking about navigating current autism science.

Join experts from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute on Monday, September 29th at 5:00pm EST for an important conversation as they address urgent questions raised by recent national discussions on autism. Topics include Tylenol, vaccines, and Leucovorin, plus a Q&A. Learn why rigorous science is critical now more than ever—and how you can help support it.

💥: Virtual Panel on Autism: Science and Facts in a Time of Confusion
🗓️: Monday, September 29, 2025
⏰: 5:00–6:00 PM (ET)
Register Here: https://bit.ly/46rmZg1

Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University Drexel University Philadelphia Autism Project Social Connections & Treatment Lab - SCTL Autism Life Course Outcomes Research

09/27/2025

We wanted to share a really cool study our partners at the Social Connections & Treatment Lab - SCTL at Drexel University are doing:

The Social Connections and Treatment Lab (SCTL) at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute (AJDAI – Life Course Outcomes [LCO]) is recruiting autistic adults (ages 21-30 years old) who have graduated from a high school or equivalent program to take part in a research study. The goal of this study is to understand the experiences of autistic adults participating in social groups.


If interested, prospective participants will:

Fill out this intake form to assess initial eligibility:

Individual is within the required age range [18-30 years old] and has graduated from a high school or equivalent program

Individual has a confirmed diagnosis of autism

Individual can travel to the AJDAI at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA [3020 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104] for weekly group sessions

Complete an online questionnaire about autism traits and experiences

[If eligible]: Come in person to meet with research staff to complete an autism diagnosis interview and an IQ test to confirm their eligibility (IQ scores must be ≥ 70 to be eligible to participate in this study).



If eligibility is confirmed participants will:

Be randomized (by chance) to one of two social groups and attend weekly 90-minute sessions for 10 weeks in person at AJDAI at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

Complete questionnaires and interviews across multiple timepoints throughout participation in this study.

OPTIONAL: Participants may choose to elect somebody else close to them (such as a caregiver, family member, friend, or romantic partner) to complete additional measures about the participant during 3 timepoints.



Participants will be compensated at the end of the study period for their time completing study procedures.

If there are any questions or concerns, interested participants can reach out to SCTL@drexel.edu or via phone or text: 215-571-3219.