Social Connections & Treatment Lab - SCTL

02/10/2026

A new grant from the Miranda Family Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Hispanic Federation, led by award-winning artist and philanthropist Lin-Manuel Miranda, will support the public launch of an innovative, evidence-based improvisational theater program for autistic youth through the Social Connecti...

02/09/2026

The AJ Drexel Autism Institute’s Social Connections and Treatment Lab is working in collaboration with Temple University’s Social Developmental Neuroscience lab for a new study enrolling children 9-13 years old! The goal of our study is to help us learn about how children with autism process social and nonsocial rewards. Families eligible to join this study will be compensated as a thank you for their time.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please reach out to sdnlab@temple.edu, phone: (610) 632-1019 or completed this short survey ( https://cphapps.temple.edu/surveys/?s=YLCW78CFPY7CPRTY )

01/21/2026

Clinicians, there is still time to register! CBT, AUTISM, and ID Training - CEs Available

SPIRIT-ID/A is now enrolling! SPIRIT-ID/a is an evidence-based training program designed to build confidence and competence when working with autistic clients and those with IDD.

Why Join SPIRIT-ID/A?
✅ Earn up to 11 CE Credits (APA, PA SBSW, IACET)
✅ Flexible Learning: 7 sessions, fully online (alternating between live learning sessions and on-demand sessions)
✅ Expert-Led: Taught by instructors with research/clinical and lived expertise

Program Details:
🗓 Feb 5 – March 19, 2026
🎥 Live sessions on Feb 5, Feb 19, Mar 5 & Mar 19
💵 $875 (+$35 for CEs) | Group rates available
📘 Prerequisite: Familiarity with CBT

🚀 Register Now: bit.ly/SPIRIT-IDA-Registration
📧 Questions? sctl@drexel.edu

01/06/2026

Autism, IDD, & CBT Training – Now Enrolling! (CEs Available)

We’re excited to invite you to join the next SPIRIT-ID/A cohort, an evidence-based training program designed to build confidence and competence when working with autistic clients and those with IDD.

Why Join SPIRIT-ID/A?
✅ Earn up to 11 CE Credits (APA, PA SBSW, IACET)
✅ Flexible Learning: 7 sessions, fully online (alternating between live learning sessions and on-demand sessions)
✅ Expert-Led: Taught by instructors with research/clinical and lived expertise

Program Details:
🗓 Feb 5 – March 19, 2026
🎥 Live sessions on Feb 5, Feb 19, Mar 5 & Mar 19
💵 $875 (+$35 for CEs) | Group rates available
📘 Prerequisite: Familiarity with CBT

🚀 Register Now: bit.ly/SPIRIT-IDA-Registration
📧 Questions? sctl@drexel.edu

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...