Dorothea C. Lerman

Dorothea C. Lerman is a prominent behavior analyst and professor known for her extensive research in applied behavior analysis (ABA), particularly in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior and the training of practitioners. Her work has significantly advanced methodologies in functional analysis (psychology) and the dissemination of evidence-based practices. Lerman holds a professorship at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she directs the Behavior Analysis Research Clinic and has influenced both clinical practice and public policy.

Early life and education

Lerman completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She then pursued her graduate education at the University of Florida, a leading institution in the field of behavior analysis. Under the mentorship of renowned figures like Brian A. Iwata, she earned her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, focusing on the experimental analysis of problem behavior and functional communication training. Her doctoral dissertation contributed foundational knowledge to the refinement of functional analysis (psychology) methodologies.

Career and research

Following her postdoctoral research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Lerman began her academic career as an assistant professor at Louisiana State University. She later joined the faculty at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she established a prolific research program. Her investigations have spanned critical areas such as the assessment of self-injurious behavior, the development of behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder, and the evaluation of parent training protocols. A significant portion of her research has been conducted in collaboration with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services to improve services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Applied behavior analysis contributions

Lerman has made seminal contributions to the practical application of applied behavior analysis. She developed and validated simplified protocols for conducting functional analysis (psychology) in natural settings, making this critical assessment tool more accessible to frontline staff in schools and residential facilities. Her work on functional communication training and the treatment of escape-maintained behavior has been widely adopted. Furthermore, she has conducted extensive research on staff training and performance management, creating effective models for teaching behavioral skills to direct support professionals, special education teachers, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

Publications and impact

Lerman is a prolific author, having published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in major journals such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. She co-authored the influential textbook "Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers" and has contributed chapters to seminal works like the "Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis." Her research has directly informed best-practice guidelines for treating challenging behavior and has been cited in policy documents from organizations like the Association for Behavior Analysis International and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Awards and recognition

Lerman's contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She is a recipient of the Nathan H. Azrin Award for Distinguished Contribution to Applied Behavior Analysis from the American Psychological Association's Division 25. She has been named a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Additional honors include the Distinguished Research Award from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and the B. F. Skinner Lecture Series Award from the Association for Behavior Analysis International, cementing her status as a leading figure in her field.

Category:American psychologists Category:Applied behavior analysts Category:University of Houston–Clear Lake faculty