Elizabeth Laugeson

Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. 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. Dr. Laugeson has held numerous leadership roles including Program Director for UCLA's Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (2016-2024) and Program Director for the Dissemination, Outreach and Education Core of the UCLA Autism Center of Excellence (2017-2022).

Dr. Laugeson's research focuses on social skills training for neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. As the creator of PEERS, an evidence-based social skills program, her work has revolutionized social skills intervention for autistic individuals. Her research spans early childhood through adulthood, with specialized programs for preschoolers, adolescents, young adults, dating, and careers. She has pioneered cross-cultural adaptations of PEERS in numerous countries including Taiwan, Italy, Poland, Korea, and Japan.

Her publication trends show increasing focus on international implementation of PEERS, with growing emphasis on specialized applications for careers, dating, and telehealth delivery. Recent work demonstrates strong interest in examining predictors of treatment response, cultural adaptations, and extending PEERS to new populations including those with acquired brain injuries.

• NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2004-2005)
• NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2006-2007)
• UCLA The Friends of the Semel Institute Semel Scholar Award (2008-2009)
• Pepperdine University Distinguished Alumnus Award (2010-2011)

Dr. Laugeson has trained tens of thousands of professionals worldwide through PEERS certified training seminars. Her work extends beyond research to direct clinical service provision and program development. She has directed multiple significant research initiatives including the UCLA Early Childhood Clubhouse Program and The Help Group-UCLA Autism Research Alliance. Her leadership extends to community engagement, with her work featured in major media outlets including People Magazine, The New York Times, and the Emmy-winning Netflix series Love on the Spectrum.

Dr. Laugeson leads the UCLA PEERS Clinic team, which includes clinical faculty, coordinators, post-doctoral fellows, and research assistants working across multiple PEERS programs. Her NeuroPIPES program creates pathways for autistic individuals to enter biomanufacturing careers through combined soft and hard skills training.