BRAIN Lab at Notre Dame

03/30/2026

The Shaw Center's Scholar Series Presents: Dr. Matthew Lerner, presenting on Rethinking Social Outcomes Across the Spectrum

Matthew Lerner, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Leader of the Life Course Outcomes Program Area in the AJ Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University, and the co-Founder and Research Director of the Stony Brook Autism Initiative. Dr. Lerner’s research focuses on understanding the emergence and “real world” implications of social challenges, especially among those with autism, as well as the development, evaluation, and dissemination of novel, evidence-based approaches for ameliorating those challenges. In his presentation "Rethinking Social Outcomes Across the Spectrum", Dr. Lerner will introduce an emerging perspective on social outcomes in autistic people, which focuses on leveraging qualitative community feedback to advance empirical, practical, and policy-level results. This approach will be demonstrated through a three-pronged research program that focuses on basic descriptive approaches designed to interrogate assumptions regarding social outcomes, translating these findings into improved and more responsive intervention models, and catalyzing community-based change resulting from both. Implications for engagement with and empirical study of service-based programs, as well as development of novel directions for research and services, will be discussed.

Location: Notre Dame, DeBartolo Hall, room 126. Room 126 is on the first floor.
Parking: Visitor parking is available in the Walsh Architecture Visitor Center Lot. Parking on campus is free after 4pm, and otherwise $2/hr through ParkMobile app. If using the app, the Walsh Visitor Lot is zone #11519

02/25/2026

We're excited that Wed 2/25 at 1pm, the Notre Dame Inclusion & Belonging Committee is hosting us for a 🥪 Lunch & Learn 📚 on ways to support neurodivergent coworkers, and best practices for recruiting and retaining autistic talent. 🌈∞ A favorite topic!

Dr. Caitlin Clements will describe the challenges faced by autistic adults, ways to support neurodivergent coworkers, and best practices for recruiting ...

02/04/2026

Are you looking for activities to do with your child? The TREAT study at the Shaw Center for Children and Families is a paid research study for children ages 3-5 years old. Your child will do activities like play with bubbles, watch a video of their caregiver smiling, and complete a developmental assessment with a licensed psychologist! This is a one-time, 3 hour study visit at the ND Shaw Center (1602 N Ironwood Drive, South Bend) that pays $15 per hour.
If you would like more information, you can contact us at 574-501-3275 or brainlab@nd.edu, or click the link below!
https://redcap.uits.iu.edu/surveys/?s=3TTKT38M79ET98RY

01/26/2026

Registration is now open for our next cohort! Classes begin on Feb. 10th. Don't miss out on the fun, educational, and FREE experience!

Click the link to register!
https://forms.gle/pVMLUH87CLD7jko9A

01/22/2026

Looks like a helpful presentation!

Join the Autism Society of Indiana for a free virtual financial planning presentation on January 27th at 7:00 PM, part of our Financial Preparedness Series: Government Benefits and Programs.

This informative workshop provides an overview of government programs that may be available to dependents with special needs. Topics will include:
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
• Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers
• State-specific assistance programs

Participants will learn about eligibility requirements, how to apply, and the types of expenses these programs may help cover for qualified individuals.

Cost: Free
Format: Virtual
Date & Time: January 27th at 7:00 PM

Register at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/autismsocietyofindiana/event/financialpreparednessseries/

01/20/2026

*Paid Research Opportunity for Autistic Children!*

Are you looking for activities to do indoors with your autistic child this winter? The TREAT study at the Shaw Center for Children and Families is a paid research study for children ages 3-5 years old, and we are currently looking for *children with an autism diagnosis*!

Your child will do activities like play with bubbles, watch a video of their caregiver smiling, and complete an autism assessment to confirm their diagnosis. You may request a clinical report and recommendations. This study involves two 2.5-hour visits at the ND Shaw Center (1602 N Ironwood Drive, South Bend) and pays $15 per hour.

If you would like more information, you can contact Elle at 574-501-3275 or brainlab@nd.edu, or request more info here: https://redcap.uits.iu.edu/surveys/?s=3TTKT38M79ET98RY

01/12/2026

Good afternoon! We are looking for a child under age 4 who has been diagnosed with autism to participate in a practice assessment with our student clinicians who are training. The assessment is the play-based ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), and our clinicians are working toward national certification.

When: Friday, Jan 23 at 1:00pm or Saturday, Jan 24 at 11:00am
Duration: 1.5 hours
Where: St. Mary’s
Compensation: $25 cash
Sibling childcare available

What is involved: We will meet you and your child in the parking lot and walk you in. The session will take place in a large room. Your child will complete the ADOS activities, with different students administering different activities such as bubbles, free play, and snack. Meanwhile, the certified trainer and the rest of the students (8 total) will observe and take notes. You will remain with your child the whole time. This is a training session, so no feedback or clinical opinion will be provided.

If interested, please call or text 574-501-3275.

01/03/2026

A great summary of the major findings in autism research in 2025!

2025 autism research advanced understanding of subtypes, genetics, s*x differences, and early intervention despite major funding cuts.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the BRAIN Lab!

12/17/2025

Wrapping up another year of discovery at the BRAIN Lab! 🎁🧠 Our annual holiday party didn’t disappoint. May your season be as sweet as our gingerbread house creations! Grateful for our team, our science, and the curiosity that keeps us moving forward. Happy holidays! ❄️

12/10/2025

The BRAIN Lab will be supporting Winter Wonders at the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art this Saturday, December 13th. Families can enjoy holiday-themed crafts, music, and other winter activities in a sensory-friendly and inclusive environment. A "cool-down" room will be hosted by members of the lab that will include fidget toys, sensory aids, and BRAIN Lab resources.
Get more information on our website!

11/22/2025

Quotes from some autism research leaders about the CDC website change regarding autism & vaccines. At the BRAIN Lab, we love evidence!

The CDC website now falsely suggests that autism-vaccine research is still an open question, prompting distrust among researchers—some of whom anticipate “more unreliable statements coming from the junta that took over” the agency.