Connor Kerns

Dr. Connor Kerns is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts. She directs the Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP) lab, which focuses on understanding anxiety and stress-related disorders among individuals on the autism spectrum. Her work bridges clinical psychology and autism research, with a particular emphasis on assessment and treatment approaches tailored to autistic individuals.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology, Temple University (2013)

Dr. Kerns' research primarily focuses on the complex relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anxiety, with particular attention to how anxiety manifests differently in autistic individuals compared to neurotypical populations. Her work examines the varied presentation and phenomenology of anxiety in autism, implications for effective anxiety measurement, and development of appropriate treatment approaches. Additionally, she investigates the understudied area of traumatic experiences in youth and young adults with autism, exploring sources and expressions of traumatic stress and developing novel measures of PTSD in this population. Her research employs clinical and community-based methodologies to estimate the frequency of anxiety and stress-related disorders among autistic individuals and identify risk factors.

Analysis of Dr. Kerns' recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of autism and anxiety, with particular attention to assessment challenges, treatment adaptation, and neurobiological correlates. Her work spans multiple domains including diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and epidemiological studies examining comorbid conditions. A significant portion of her research addresses the need for specialized assessment tools and interventions that account for the unique presentation of anxiety in autistic individuals.

Scientific Awards:

• Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar Award (2021)
• 2025 Mentorship Award by the UBC Department of Psychology

Dr. Kerns is recognized for her dedication to mentoring students and fostering their development in research and clinical work. Her mentorship approach emphasizes integrity, compassion, and the translation of research into meaningful community impact. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, her research program suggests substantial funding support for studies examining anxiety in autism, including the development of assessment tools and interventions.

As director of the Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP) lab, Dr. Kerns leads a team of post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, research assistants, and a lab manager. The lab engages in both clinical and community-based research, with a focus on translating research findings into practical guidelines for clinicians. The lab also maintains a strong community connection through its Community Advisory Board and public outreach initiatives like the "Autism Evidence ASAP" talk series.