A Two-Year Iterative Study of an Informal STEM Education Program for Neurodiverse Adolescents

• In Event: Improving STEM Education for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

People with autism remain underemployed despite their heightened interest in and the growing need for professionals in STEM fields. This paper presents a two-year study and examined if participation in a summer technology program helps students with ASD develop self-understanding, social skills, and technological skills. Findings highlight how perspectives of students with ASD and their parents do/do not align when reflecting on educational and career motivations and demonstrate that an engaging curriculum with explicit focus on providing choices in the classroom and hands-on, interactive instruction is needed to help students develop self-understanding and other skills. By listening to the voices of diverse students and working alongside them to amplify UD principles, we can empower students to transform their own learning.

Authors

• Ariana Riccio, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Jessye Herrell, Tech Kids Unlimited

• Beth Rosenberg, Tech Kids Unlimited

• Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, College of Staten Island