Where Autism Research Meets Real-World Impact

As the Earl F. Smith Distinguished Professor in Special Education and Autism, Dr. Lisa Ruble has built a career at the intersection of science, practice, and deep human connection. Her work focuses on one essential mission: ensuring that autistic children, adolescents, and young adults receive meaningful, high-quality support wherever they learn and live.

“My work focuses on improving services and outcomes for autistic children, adolescents, and their families,” she explains, emphasizing that her research is rooted in real environments, the places where support must work effectively to make a difference.

Central to Dr. Ruble’s impact is COMPASS (Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success), a widely recognized evidence-based coaching model she developed and continues to test, adapt, and expand. COMPASS has shaped national conversations around fidelity, sustainability, collaboration, and educator well-being. In recent years, her trailblazing publications and high-impact national and international presentations have further amplified her influence across the fields of autism research, implementation science, and special education.

Building Interventions That Actually Work in Schools, Homes, and Communities

Dr. Ruble’s research begins with a critical challenge: evidence-based autism interventions often succeed in controlled settings but fail to translate effectively into everyday environments.

“Many existing autism interventions show promise in controlled research settings but fail to translate effectively into schools, clinics, and homes,” she says. “By focusing on implementation – how practices work in real environments – my research bridges this gap.”

Her work illuminates the systems-level factors that affect service delivery, from organizational climate to teacher burnout. It also offers practical strategies to ensure that interventions are not only developed but sustained.

Ultimately, Dr. Ruble aims to strengthen the infrastructure of autism services. As she describes it: Her work ensures evidence-based practices are “used well, used widely, and used in ways that genuinely improve lives.”

Sharing Knowledge Where It Matters Most

While her research is widely published and featured at leading national and international conferences, Dr. Ruble is equally committed to local impact.

“In addition to national and intervention conferences and journals, I have shared our research with local audiences,” she says, “including school-based teams, parent support groups, and clinicians who specialize in autism interventions.”

Her many 2025 publications and presentations, spanning topics from transition planning to teacher burnout to international adaptation of COMPASS, reflect both the breadth and depth of her scholarship.

Breaking Down Barriers in the Research Process

Even the strongest research requires strong partners. Today, Dr. Ruble cites school recruitment as one of her greatest challenges.

“Without schools who are willing and motivated to contribute to new practices, research that leads to better outcomes is not possible.”

This reality underscores the importance of collaboration and shared commitment across home, school, and community settings, a core value embedded throughout her work.

What She Hopes to Change

Dr. Ruble’s vision is both ambitious and grounded in compassion.

“I hope my research changes the way we think about autism, provide supports, and work collaboratively across home, school, and community settings.”

Her work aims to shift practices, but also perspectives, toward more coordinated, strengths-based, and sustainable systems of support.

A Mentor Shaping the Future of the Profession

One of Dr. Ruble’s greatest joys has been working with Ball State students who serve on her research team.

“My Ball State students who serve on my research team are truly integral to our work,” she shares. “I especially love watching their growth and confidence evolve over time as they develop into the next generation of autism service providers and researchers.”

Her guidance helps cultivate future leaders who are prepared not only to deliver services, but to innovate and improve them.

Words of Advice: Keep Moving Forward

To students and emerging professionals, Dr. Ruble offers encouragement grounded in authenticity.

“Find your passion,” she advises. “When you are fortunate enough to truly love what you do, it no longer feels like work – you find the strength to persist, even in the face of difficulties.”

Her advice for students echoes that theme of perseverance:

“Show up, do the work, and don’t feel pressure to earn straight A’s. Stay calm, find supportive colleagues and mentors, and remember that your academic journey is a process, not a destination.”

Finding Joy in Research, in Students, and Beyond

Across her projects, Dr. Ruble finds her greatest joy in witnessing student success.

“My greatest joy comes from watching autistic students grow and succeed when their entire team comes together to support, encourage, and persist in fostering their success.”

Outside of research, she finds fulfillment in creativity and exploration. She enjoys “dinner parties, spending time and having adventures with family and friends, international travel, exploring in my teardrop camper, painting, sculpting, and photography.”

A Leader Moving the Field Forward

With numerous awards, including multiple 2024 and 2025 Outstanding Research Awards, and major ongoing federal research grants, Dr. Ruble is a national leader whose work is reshaping how autism support is delivered across school, home, and community environments.