A NEW PEER-REVIEWED study led by the CatalightResearch Institute found that autistic youth and young adults who participated in a personalized coaching program experienced meaningful improvements in executive functioning and overall wellbeing.
Researchers reviewed records from 234 participants enrolled in Compass-Behavioral, a coaching program that helps individuals set goals and develop practical strategies for communication, self-management, and daily life. Participants completed 10–14 sessions with a licensed or certified behavioral health clinician trained in the model. Each session lasted 45–60 minutes over a 3- to 6-month period.
Key Findings
• Participants most often selected goals related to daily functioning, including self-management and social communication.
• They showed significant gains in multiple areas, including sleep, self-observation, self-advocacy, and self-management.
• Exit surveys indicated strong improvements in self-awareness, coping strategies, and confidence.
“Our findings suggest that short-term, structured coaching can have a meaningful impact on the lives of young autistic people,” said Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA-D, co-lead author and vice president of clinical excellence at Catalight. “When young people help set their own goals and receive support to reach them, they begin to recognize their strengths—boosting confidence at home, school, and in the community.”
Compass-Behavioral uses structured one-on-one coaching and motivational interviewing to support autonomy, communication, and daily life management. Clinicians complete a six-hour training and receive mentoring from experienced providers before delivering the program.
“Our research indicates that clinicians now have a powerful, practical tool that—with relatively brief training—can help autistic youth and young adults build confidence and strengthen essential life skills,” said Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., MSCP, co-lead author and chief clinical officer at Catalight. “The data show that Compass-Behavioral fosters supportive interactions that can make a real difference in daily life.”
The study, “Initial Analysis of the Effectiveness of Compass-Behavioral for Autistic Youth: A Community-Based Retrospective Analysis,” was published in Behavioral Sciences. One contributing author was affiliated with EastersealsNorthern California
