Initial Analysis of the Effectiveness of Compass-Behavioral for Autistic Youth: A Community-Based Retrospective Analysis
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerSamelson, D., Ikola, J., Fitchett, B., Befi, M., Bemmel, V., Pfingston, B., & Sneed, L. (2025). Initial Analysis of the Effectiveness of Compass-Behavioral for Autistic Youth: A Community-Based Retrospective Analysis. Behavioral Sciences, 15(12), 1667. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15121667
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
Compass-Behavioral is a novel, structured coaching program designed to enhance executive functioning and wellbeing in autistic youth and adults. This mixed-methods study examined outcomes from program participation across multiple clinical sites within a nonprofit organization. Quantitative analyses used de-identified archival data from participants completing the Youth and Adult Wellbeing Scales, along with self-assessments associated with the program. Results demonstrated trends toward improvement in wellbeing following program participation. Results of the self-assessment improved significantly from baseline to completion. Complementary qualitative data were gathered from participant feedback surveys, providing insights into perceived benefits and areas for program improvement. Themes included increased self-awareness, improved organization and planning, and greater confidence in everyday functioning. Taken together, the findings suggest Compass-Behavioral is a promising program for supporting executive functioning and quality of life outcomes among autistic individuals, while also pointing to opportunities for strengthening measurement and long-term impact. Further research is warranted to refine outcome measures, expand sample sizes, and evaluate program effects in more diverse clinical and community contexts.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Cited bibliography overview
These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 2 Oct 2026 01:35.
- With a DOI
- 53
- Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
- 9
- References with detected author names
- 54 / 62 (87.1%)
- Without detected author names
- 8
- Without a structured title
- 8
- Without a stable identifier
- 9
- References with raw author names still to review
- 8
- References with external metadata lookup issues
- 0
- From DOI or external metadata
- 336
- From validated raw bibliography text
- 0
- Raw names already validated
- 0
- Raw names still to review
- 20
-
Karen Bearss , Cynthia Johnson , Benjamin Handen , TRISTRAM SMITH , Lawrence Scahill (2013). A Pilot Study of Parent Training in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Disruptive Behavior . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(4), 829-840. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kaitlynn M. P. Baiden , Zachary J. Williams *Autistic author. Learn more… , Rachel K. Schuck , Patrick Dwyer *Autistic author. Learn more… , Mian Wang (2025). The Social Validity of Behavioral Interventions: Seeking Input from Autistic Adults . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55(4), 1172-1186. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
-
Aayushi Sen , Xin You Tai (2023). Sleep Duration and Executive Function in Adults . Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 23(11), 801-813. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology . Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Antonio Napolitano , Sara Schiavi , Piergiorgio La Rosa , Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet , Sara Petrillo , Francesca Bottino et al. (2022). Sex differences in autism spectrum disorder: Diagnostic, neurobiological, and behavioral features . Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 889636. Frontiers Media SA.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Lisa Gilotty , Lauren Kenworthy , Lisa Sirian , David O. Black , Ann E. Wagner (2002). Adaptive Skills and Executive Function in Autism Spectrum Disorders . Child Neuropsychology, 8(4), 241-248. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Alessio Bellato , Valeria Parlatini , Samuele Cortese (2024). Management of sleep problems in people with autism: an updated review . Rare Disease and Orphan Drugs Journal, 3(1). OAE Publishing Inc..Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Concetta de Giambattista , Patrizia Ventura , Paolo Trerotoli , Francesco Margari , Lucia Margari (2021). Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on High Functioning Children and Adolescents . Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 539835-539835. Frontiers Media SA.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gary Fireman , Gary Kose , Mark J Solomon (2003). Self-observation and learning: the effect of watching oneself on problem solving performance . Cognitive Development, 18(3), 339-354. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Vicki Bitsika , Christopher F. Sharpley , Nicholas M. Andronicos , Linda L. Agnew (2016). Prevalence, structure and correlates of anxiety-depression in boys with an autism spectrum disorder . Research in Developmental Disabilities, 49-50, 302-311. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Franz Faul , Edgar Erdfelder , Axel Buchner , Albert-Georg Lang (2009). Statistical power analyses using G*Power 3.1: Tests for correlation and regression analyses . Behavior Research Methods, 41(4), 1149-1160. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Brian Reichow , Fred R. Volkmar (2010). Social Skills Interventions for Individuals with Autism: Evaluation for Evidence-Based Practices within a Best Evidence Synthesis Framework . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(2), 149-166. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kristen Bottema-Beutel , Rachael McKinnon , Sarah Mohiuddin , Shannon Crowley LaPoint , So Yoon Kim (2024). Problems with “problem behavior”: A secondary systematic review of intervention research on transition-age autistic youth . Autism, 28(8), 1872-1888. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Tomoko Nishimura , Takeo Kato , Akemi Okumura , Taeko Harada , Toshiki Iwabuchi , Md. Shafiur Rahman et al. (2022). Trajectories of Adaptive Behaviors During Childhood in Females and Males in the General Population . Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 817383-817383. Frontiers Media SA.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Eli R. Lebowitz , Haim Omer , Holly Hermes , Lawrence Scahill (2014). Parent Training for Childhood Anxiety Disorders: The SPACE Program . Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 21(4), 456-469. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jo A. Yon-Hernández , Ricardo Canal-Bedia , Dominika Z. Wojcik , Laura García-García , Clara Fernández-Álvarez , Stefanny Palacio-Duque et al. (2023). Executive functions in daily living skills: A study in adults with autism spectrum disorder . Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1109561-1109561. Frontiers Media SA.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Shari L. Dworkin (2012). Sample Size Policy for Qualitative Studies Using In-Depth Interviews . Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41(6), 1319-1320. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Christina Burroughs , Rachael A. Muscatello , Blythe Corbett (2025). The Role of Everyday Executive Function in Observed Social Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55(7), 2217-2227. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Noah J. Goldstein , I. Stephanie Vezich , Jenessa R. Shapiro (2014). Perceived perspective taking: When others walk in our shoes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(6), 941-960. American Psychological Association (APA).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Robert Chapman *Autistic author. Learn more… , Monique Botha *Autistic author. Learn more… (2023). Neurodivergence‐informed therapy . Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(3), 310-317. Wiley.
-
Joy F. Johnson (2025). From Harm to Healing: Building the Future of ABA with Autistic Voices . Societies, 15(3), 72. MDPI AG.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Beth A. Malow , Karen W. Adkins , Ann Reynolds , Shelly K. Weiss , Alvin Loh , Diane Fawkes et al. (2014). Parent-Based Sleep Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(1), 216-228. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kelly A. Shaw , Susan Williams , Mary E. Patrick , Miguel Valencia-Prado , Maureen S. Durkin , Ellen M. Howerton et al. (2025). Prevalence and Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 4 and 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 16 Sites, United States, 2022 . MMWR. Surveillance Summaries, 74(2), 1-22. Centers for Disease Control MMWR Office.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Lauren Kenworthy , Laura G. Anthony , Daniel Q. Naiman , Lynn Cannon , Meagan C. Wills , Caroline Luong‐Tran et al. (2014). Randomized controlled effectiveness trial of executive function intervention for children on the autism spectrum . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(4), 374-383. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
E A Demetriou , A Lampit , D S Quintana , S L Naismith , Y J C Song , J E Pye et al. (2018). Autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis of executive function . Molecular Psychiatry, 23(5), 1198-1204. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Matthew D Lerner , Ava N. Gurba *Autistic author. Learn more… , Dena L. Gassner *Autistic author. Learn more… (2023). A framework for neurodiversity-affirming interventions for autistic individuals . Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(9), 503. American Psychological Association (APA).
-
Kelsey S. Dickson , Gregory A. Aarons , Laura G. Anthony , Lauren Kenworthy , Brent R. Crandal , Katherine Williams et al. (2020). Adaption and pilot implementation of an autism executive functioning intervention in children’s mental health services: a mixed-methods study protocol . Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 6(1), 55. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Hannah E. Reed , Susan G. McGrew , Kay Artibee , Kyla Surdkya , Suzanne E. Goldman , Kim Frank et al. (2009). Parent-Based Sleep Education Workshops in Autism . Journal of Child Neurology, 24(8), 936-945. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Renee R Dijkhuis , Tim B Ziermans , Sophie Van Rijn , Wouter Staal , Hanna Swaab (2017). Self-regulation and quality of life in high-functioning young adults with autism . Autism, 21(7), 896-906. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Amita Jassi , Lorena Fernández de la Cruz , Ailsa Russell , Georgina Krebs (2021). An Evaluation of a New Autism-Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Manual for Adolescents with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder . Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 52(5), 916-927. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Emily F. Dillon , Stephen Kanne , Rebecca J. Landa , Robert Annett , Raphael Bernier , Catherine Bradley et al. (2023). Sex differences in autism: Examining intrinsic and extrinsic factors in children and adolescents enrolled in a national ASD cohort . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(4), 1305. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Johnny Saldana (2015). Thinking Qualitatively: Methods of Mind . SAGE Publications, Inc..Type: Book DOI: 10.4135/9781071909782Crossref OpenCitations
-
S. Di Vara , S. Guerrera , D. Menghini , F. Scibelli , E. Lupi , G. Valeri et al. (2024). Characterizing individual differences in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a descriptive study . Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1323787-1323787. Frontiers Media SA.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Francisca J. A. van Steensel , Emma J. Heeman (2017). Anxiety Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis . Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(7), 1753-1767. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Maria K. Makrygianni , Angeliki Gena , Sofia Katoudi , Petros Galanis (2018). The effectiveness of applied behavior analytic interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A meta-analytic study . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 51, 18-31. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Michelle C. Hunsche , Matti Cervin , Eric A. Storch , Philip C. Kendall , Jeffrey Wood , Connor Kerns (2022). Social functioning and the presentation of anxiety in children on the autism spectrum: A multimethod, multiinformant analysis. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 131(2), 198-208. American Psychological Association (APA).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Collette Sosnowy , Chloe Silverman , Paul Shattuck , Tamara Garfield (2019). Setbacks and Successes: How Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum Seek Friendship . Autism in Adulthood, 1(1), 44-51. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rebecca L. Flower , Rebekah Benn , Simon Bury , Marie Camin *Autistic author. Learn more… , Joshua Muggleton *Autistic author. Learn more… , Ellen K. Richardson et al. (2025). Defining Neurodiversity Affirming Psychology Practice for Autistic Adults: A Delphi Study Integrating Psychologist and Client Perspectives . Autism in Adulthood. SAGE Publications.
-
Melissa Scott , Ben Milbourn , Marita Falkmer , Melissa H. Black , Sven Bölte , Alycia Halladay et al. (2019). Factors impacting employment for people with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review . Autism, 23(4), 869-901. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gaus, V. L. (2011). Living well on the spectrum: How to use your strengths to meet the challenges of Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, Guilford Press.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Iris Manor-Binyamini , Michal Schreiber-Divon (2019). Repetitive behaviors: Listening to the voice of people with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 64, 23-30. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Johanna Lake , Paula Tablon Modica , Victoria Chan , Jonathan Weiss (2020). Considering efficacy and effectiveness trials of cognitive behavioral therapy among youth with autism: A systematic review . Autism, 24(7), 1590-1606. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gerard A. Gioia , Peter K. Isquith , Steven C. Guy , Lauren Kenworthy (2024). Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function® Second Edition . PsycTESTS Dataset. American Psychological Association (APA).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Laura Gisbert Gustemps , Jorge Lugo Marín , Imanol Setien Ramos , Pol Ibañez Jimenez , Odile Romero Santo-Tomás , María José Jurado Luque et al. (2021). Sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorder without intellectual impairment: relationship with executive function and psychiatric symptoms . Sleep Medicine, 83, 106-114. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jeffrey Wood , Karen S. Wood , An Chuen Cho , Kashia A. Rosenau , Maria Cornejo Guevara , Chardée Galán et al. (2021). Modular cognitive behavioral therapy for autism-related symptoms in children: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 89(2), 110-125. American Psychological Association (APA).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sandra Graf‐Kurtulus , Omar C. G. Gelo (2025). Rethinking psychological interventions in autism: Toward a neurodiversity‐affirming approach . Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 25(1), e12874. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kathy Leadbitter , Karen Leneh Buckle *Autistic author. Learn more… , Ceri Ellis , Martijn Dekker *Autistic author. Learn more… (2021). Autistic Self-Advocacy and the Neurodiversity Movement: Implications for Autism Early Intervention Research and Practice . Frontiers in Psychology, 12(April), 635690. Frontiers Media SA.AutiHub · Autistic Autism Scholarship Project AutiHub · Documentation center Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Workbook (2022). Executive functioning workbook for adults: Exercises to help you get organized, stay focused, and achieve your goals, Callisto.Type: OtherCrossref
-
IBM Corp (2020). IBM SPSS statistics for windows (Version 27) [Computer software], IBM Corp.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Xin You Tai , Cheng Chen , Sanjay Manohar , Masud Husain (2022). Impact of sleep duration on executive function and brain structure . Communications Biology, 5(1), 201. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gaynor E. McArthur , Eunro Lee , Robin Laycock (2023). Autism Traits and Cognitive Performance: Mediating Roles of Sleep Disturbance, Anxiety and Depression . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(12), 4560-4576. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Melanie Muniandy , Amanda Richdale , Samuel R. C. Arnold , Julian Trollor , Lauren P Lawson (2025). Brief Report: Longitudinal Role of Coping Strategies on Mental Health Outcomes in Autistic Youth and Adults . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55(3), 1146-1155. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Antonio F Pagan (2024). Motivational interviewing for young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A Pilot Feasibility Study . Center for Open Science.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Nicole Meyer Stabler , Alyssa Kavner , Isaac Nwi-Mozu , Paula Pompa-Craven , Amin Duff Lotfizadeh (2024). Predictors of Satisfaction with Aba Services from the Autistic Community . SSRN Electronic Journal. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Miller, W. R., and Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change, Guilford Press. [3rd ed.].Type: OtherCrossref
-
Siva priya Santhanam , Kaitlyn P. Wilson (2024). A Comparison of Autistic and Non-Autistic College Students' Perceived Challenges and Engagement in Self-Advocacy . American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 33(3), 1471-1484. American Speech Language Hearing Association.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Micheal Sandbank , James E. Pustejovsky , Kristen Bottema-Beutel , Nicolette Caldwell , Jacob I Feldman , Shannon Crowley LaPoint et al. (2024). Determining Associations Between Intervention Amount and Outcomes for Young Autistic Children . JAMA Pediatrics, 178(8), 763. American Medical Association (AMA).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sarkis, S. (2017). Executive function difficulties in adults, PESI Publishing. Available online: https://catalog.pesi.com/item/executive-function-difficulties-adults-42256 .Type: OtherCrossref
-
(n.d.). Sneed, L., Taylor, R., Cook, I., Samelson, D. A., Fitchett, B., Befi, M., and Bemmel, V. (, January May). Initial psychometric properties of the Autistic youth wellbeing scale. INSAR 2024 Annual Meeting, Melbourne, Australia. Available online: https://insar.confex.com/insar/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/46371 .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., and Saulnier, C. A. (2016). Vineland adaptive behavior scales, third edition (Vineland-3), Pearson.Type: OtherCrossref
-
(2021). MAXQDA,M5. 1. 2021 [Computer software], VERBI Software.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Wergeland (2022). Early behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in routine clinical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis . Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 29, 400.Type: OtherCrossref