Research & Resources

Building evidence. Improving lives.

COMPASS began in 1996 as a framework for supporting autistic individuals through stronger planning, collaboration, and evidence-based support. Today, the Autism Services Research Group (ASRG) continues to study, adapt, and share COMPASS tools for families, educators, consultants, and communities..

What You'll Find Here

Research Foundation

Discover where COMPASS began and the research questions that guide our work.

Programs & Studies

See how COMPASS programs have been developed, tested, and expanded.

Team in Action

See our team at work, from conferences, presentations, and community partnerships.

Publications & Resources

Browse peer-reviewed publications, forms, guides, and updates from our team.

Our Research, Explained

Our Research Focus

The Autism Services Research Group studies questions that affect autistic individuals, families, educators, clinicians, and service providers. Our work focuses on:

Why this matters

We turn evidence into practical supports that help families, educators, and providers make stronger plans and improve outcomes.

Research Impact

30+ years

of Research

4+

Randomized Controlled
Trials

200+

Conferences &
Presentations
Worldwide

The Evolution of COMPASS

1996

Our Foundation
COMPASS began as a framework for understanding the competencies, strengths, and supports that contribute to meaningful outcomes for autistic individuals, establishing the foundation for the collaborative, individualized approach used today.

CONSULTATION & COACHING

Pre-K & Elementary
COMPASS was tested as a consultation and coaching intervention for preschool and elementary-aged students. Research showed improvements in individualized educational outcomes through collaborative planning, personalized goals, and ongoing coaching support.

CAST

Transition Age
COMPASS was adapted for transition-aged students to strengthen individualized planning and improve outcomes as students prepare for life after high school, with a greater focus on meaningful goals and preparation for adulthood.

C-HOPE

Families & Caregivers
COMPASS was adapted into a parent-mediated intervention designed to reduce caregiver stress and build skills for supporting children with autism and challenging behavior through individualized strategies and family-centered support.

What We're Studying Now

The Autism Services Research Group seeks to investigate many diverse questions that impact persons with autism, their families, and clinicians. Much of our efforts center on testing the effectiveness of the COMPASS intervention model that was created by Dr. Lisa Ruble and Nancy Dalrymple. The COMPASS Consultation Manual is for education consultants and professionals nationwide and beyond.

COMPASS Across Settings (CAST)

CAST provides a wrap-around approach that includes autistic students, caregivers, special education teachers, and pre-employment specialists for comprehensive and improved transition planning and outcomes following high school.

Longitudinal Study of Adult Outcomes

About 20 years ago, Nancy Dalrymple and Lisa Ruble studied outcomes for more than 40 autistic young adults. This follow-up study reconnects with those participants, now in their 40s, to examine quality of life, employment, living situation, family support, and personal responsibilities.

Explore Past Research & Programs

BREATHE-EASE

With funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, we are adapting and testing an intervention called BREATHE designed to reduce special education teacher burnout and attrition and improve teaching quality, classroom climate, and student outcomes. You can learn more by clicking here.

Community-Based Consultant Training

With NIH funding, we are developed and tested a training package on COMPASS for community-based ASD specialists. You can learn more by reading the two studies linked below:

Improving Transition Outcomes

With funding from National Institute of Mental Health, we adapted and tested COMPASS for transition age youth. Click on this links below to learn more:

Research in Action

Collectively, the ASRG has presented at over 200 conferences and lecture series across the globe to speak on our contributions to the field and to share our message on how we can all work towards providing accessible, high quality support services for the autism community, caregivers, practitioners, and educators.

Interested in Research with ASRG?

Grad and undergrad students participate in ASRG projects and collaborations with national and international partners. Interested in exploring opportunities to work with our team? Click below.