Adolescents with Autism and Their Interest in Future Careers Involving Technology

Background: In the US, students with autism have some of the poorest post-school outcomes of any disability category, according to the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. Finding opportunities to match their skills and interests to sustainable employment is a priority. It has been reported that many individuals with autism are attracted to technology, in particular screen-based technology, especially for entertainment. For most young people, their interests often lead to future careers. Since occupations involving technology skills are in high demand, technology-related careers hold promise for improving the adult outcomes for students with autism. However, little is known about this subject.

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to explore the interest adolescents with autism have in future careers using technology, and, to identify specific technology areas they are interested to pursue in higher education.

Methods: This study used a paper survey with 275 high school students with autism from 30 high schools spread across 3 states in the US. The majority of participants were male (87%), white (72%), without intellectual disability (93%), and on track to graduate high school with a regular diploma (100%).

Results: Student survey participants were asked about their interest in using technology in their future. The majority (75%) said they would like to have a job using technology. Most are considering going to college (96%) and the majority (65%) would like to study a technology-related subject in college. Video game design was the most popular technology related subject followed by computer science, engineering, and web design.

Conclusions: Cultivating student interest in technology early during middle and high school might help to ensure fulfilling their desire to study technology-related subjects at university and/or work in occupations using technology in their future.