Postsecondary STEM Participation and Completion Among Students With Autism

• In Event: Roundtable Session 78
  In Roundtable Session: Postsecondary STEM 1

Abstract

Little research has examined the popular belief that individuals with autism are more likely than the general population to gravitate toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Even fewer studies have examined the postsecondary STEM completion for this group. This study analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, a nationally representative sample of students with autism in special education. Findings suggest that while students with autism have the highest STEM participation rates among 11 federally-defined disability categories, their STEM degree completion rate is relatively low. Disproportionate postsecondary STEM participation and degree completion by race, gender, and socioeconomic status also were found for students with autism. Educational policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Xin Wei, SRI International

• Jennifer Yu, SRI International