Patricia. S. Lemer

Patricia S. Lemer is a Licensed Professional Counselor and seasoned educational diagnostician, with more than 40 years of experience advocating for individuals with developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders. She is a co-founder and former Executive Director of Developmental Delay Resources (DDR), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that served families and professionals for 20 years before merging with Epidemic Answers in 2013, where she later served as Board Chair for three years.

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Leadership in Neurodevelopment & Holistic Intervention

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Patricia holds a Master’s in Education from Boston College, specializing in counseling and learning disabilities, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. Her unique blend of expertise in education, therapy, and business strategy has empowered her to drive meaningful change within the field of developmental disabilities, improving the lives of countless individuals through innovative, evidence-based approaches.

As a renowned international lecturer, Patricia speaks on developmental delays, neurodivergence, and holistic interventions, offering professionals and families comprehensive guidance on treating root causes rather than merely masking symptoms. Her work integrates biomedical approaches with sensory and movement-based therapies, fostering sustainable progress for neurodiverse individuals.

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Acclaimed Author & Thought Leader in Autism Advocacy

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Patricia is an accomplished author, whose books provide groundbreaking insights into autism intervention. Her latest work, Outsmarting Autism, Build Healthy Foundations for Communication, Socialization, and Behavior at All Ages, was released in March 2019, earning highest praise from the Library Journal and ranking as the #1 New Release on Amazon in three categories. The book later won a prestigious Nautilus Book Award in 2019 in the Parenting category, further solidifying her influence in the autism community.

Her previous works include:

• Outsmarting Autism (2014) – Winner of the First Prize Award by The Authors’ Zone (TAZ) in 2015

• EnVISIONing a Bright Future: Interventions that Work for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2008)

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Global Impact & Continued Advocacy

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From 2012 to 2014, Patricia consulted in Kuwait to establish a center for autistic young adults, contributing to global efforts in education, therapy, and independent living support. Her advocacy remains deeply rooted in a commitment to expanding awareness, promoting holistic interventions, and ensuring neurodiverse individuals receive the resources they need to flourish.

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Personal Commitment & Lifelong Dedication

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Patricia resides in Pittsburgh, PA, where she continues to inspire families and professionals alike. She is the mother of an adult daughter and proud grandmother to Penelope, born in August 2006.

Through her expertise, thought leadership, and unwavering dedication, Patricia remains a driving force in neurodevelopmental research and autism advocacy, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for individuals and families across the globe.