Dr. Lee M. Marcus, professor emeritus in the University of North Carolina Department of Psychiatry, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. Dr. Marcus dedicated 48 years to the University of North Carolina as a faculty member in the TEACCH Autism Program where he held numerous leadership roles, including Clinical Director of the Chapel Hill TEACCH outpatient clinic, Director of the UNC Department of Psychiatry Psychology Internship Program, and Director of the TEACCH Training Program.
An internationally recognized expert in the diagnosis of autism, Dr. Marcus was deeply committed to working collaboratively with family members, including parents and siblings of autistic children. He was beloved by the families he served in the clinic and widely known for his humility, humor, and extraordinary ability to truly listen. At a time when many families felt isolated and unfairly blamed for their child’s autism, he created the TEACCH “Mothers’ Group” and “Fathers’ Group,” both of which supported families for decades.
Beyond his clinical work, Lee was an exceptional mentor. Clinicians and researchers across UNC, North Carolina, the United States, and around the world considered him a guiding influence in their professional lives, crediting him with helping them pursue and achieve success in meaningful careers. His unwavering support and advocacy for trainees, clinicians, families, and autistic people profoundly shaped autism services worldwide and his legacy will continue for generations to come.
Dr. Marcus is survived by his wife, Elaine, his children, Matthew and Erika, his beloved grandchildren, and the countless trainees who were proud to call him their mentor.
In his honor, a fund has been established to support interns and fellows within the UNC TEACCH Autism Program – The Lee Marcus Postdoctoral Fellowship Fund.