Examining Autistic Students' Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Career Interest and Motivation in a Geospatial Information Science & Technology Program

Autistic students experience low employment and are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors and careers, despite demonstrated interest in such fields. There is a dearth of research about the impact of STEM educational initiatives on motivation and career interest for autistic students. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of a Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) career preparation program on STEM motivation for autistic high schoolers. An exploratory pre-/post-survey design was used. Findings indicated more negative attitudes toward science and engineering and technology and more positive attitudes toward math and twenty-first century skills; none of the findings were significant. Implications for program development and inclusive STEM education are discussed.