Love Speaker Series – Part 3: The Science of Dating for Autistic and Neurodivergent Youth featuring Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson
“The Science of Dating for Autistic and Neurodivergent Youth”
The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center is pleased to introduce the “Love Speaker Series,” featuring esteemed speakers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. In Part 3 of our series, attendees will hear from Elizabeth Laugeson, PsyD, on “The Science of Dating for Autistic and Neurodivergent Youth.”
With programs taught in over 150 countries and translated into dozens of languages, PEERS® is one of the only evidence-based social skills programs for autistic and neurodivergent youth across the globe. In this session, attendees will be provided an overview of PEERS® for Dating, an empirically supported social skills program focused on strategies for developing and maintaining romantic relationships for autistic and neurodivergent youth, while recognizing the importance of teaching social strategies through a neuroaffirming lens. This is a unique opportunity to learn neuroaffirming approaches for teaching dating etiquette from the creator of the PEERS® programs, Dr. Laugeson.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the challenges in developing and maintaining romantic relationships among autistic and neurodivergent youth
- Recognize the importance of teaching social strategies through a neuroaffirming lens
- Become familiar with evidence-based strategies for teaching dating skills to autistic and neurodivergent youth
Friday, November 6 (Virtual Event)
Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson
Offered virtually through Zoom
1:00-2:00 p.m.
- Presentation: 1:00-1:45 p.m.
- Moderated Q&A: 1:45-2:00 p.m.
About the Speaker:
Elizabeth A. Laugeson, PsyD, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and is a licensed clinical psychologist. She serves as Director of the UCLA Tarjan Center, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and is the Founding Director of the UCLA PEERS Clinic, which provides parent and caregiver assisted social skills programs for individuals from preschool to adulthood.
Dedicated to supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, Dr. Laugeson has also held numerous leadership roles, including Founding Director of The Help Group–UCLA Autism Research Alliance, Program Director of the UCLA Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Director of the UCLA Early Childhood Clubhouse Program, and Associate Director of the UCLA Parenting and Children’s Friendship Training Program.
As the creator of PEERS, one of the only evidence-based and internationally recognized social skills programs for neurodivergent youth, Dr. Laugeson has authored five English-language books and trained tens of thousands of professionals, educators, and families worldwide. Her programs, which have been translated into over a dozen languages and implemented in more than 150 countries, focus on improving friendship, dating, and employment skills.
Her work has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and in the Emmy-winning Netflix series “Love on the Spectrum.”
About the Series:
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is pleased to introduce the “Love Speaker Series,” featuring esteemed speakers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. During this three-part series, attendees will explore topics related to relationships, dating, friendship and connection through the perspectives of autistic individuals and experts in the field. Each session will offer meaningful conversations, personal stories and opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways autistic people experience and build relationships. The Love Speaker Series is designed for autistic individuals, family members, direct service providers, community members and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the autistic perspective on relationships, connection and meaningful social experiences.
This three-part series is offered at no cost and is open to the community thanks to Think Autism®. Learn more about SARRC’s Think Autism program at autismcenter.org/ThinkAutism.