Welcome to the Autism Services Research Group!
We seek to advance research that improves the quality of life of children, youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorders. To improve outcomes, understanding the whole person is essential and collaboration between parents and caregivers, family members, teachers, and therapists is vital.
Who We Are
Our research involves the development and testing of interventions and the study of services and outcomes of interventions. We emphasize research that has direct implications for community-based services, the shortage of trained professionals, and the need for interventions that have positive effects for all children using personalized treatment planning.
Our Team
With funding from NIH, we have tested COMPASS in three randomized controlled trials. We have also developed and evaluated a COMPASS professional development training program with NIH funding. Our current work is supported by the Institute of Education Science and will allow us to expand and test COMPASS Across Settings (CAST). CAST provides a wrap-around approach that includes autistic students, caregivers, special education teachers, and pre-employment specialists for a comprehensive and improved transition planning during high school.
Why we do it.
COMPASS puts into practice the importance of collaborative decision-making between parents and professionals, the necessity of understanding how autism affects each person individually, how personal and environmental strengths are considered to offset challenges, and how ongoing data-based decision making is applied to ensure optimal outcomes.
COMPASS Manual
Springer-published manual guides autism specialists in classroom support methods.
COMPASS Profile
See our COMPASS Profile page to begin building a profile for your child or student.