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

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Examining Autistic Students' Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Career Interest and Motivation in a Geospatial Information Science & Technology Program
Language: English
Authors: Jamie N. Pearson (ORCID 0000-0001-6200-3790), Erica R. Bergmann (ORCID 0000-0003-2144-9344), Janelle Johnson (ORCID 0000-0001-6106-572X), Jetta Lewis, Mariam Elias, Kayla Palazzo, Marguerite Ross, Kristina Golden, Jacob Neff, Jason Painter
Source: Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. 2025 60(4):380-398.
Availability: Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Council for Exceptional Children. DDD, P.O. Box 3512, Fayetteville, AR 72702. Tel: 479-575-3326; Fax: 479-575-6676; Web site: http://www.daddcec.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Contract Number: 2048937
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, STEM Education, Vocational Interests, STEM Careers, Career Development, High School Students, 21st Century Skills, Program Development, Inclusion, Student Motivation, Student Attitudes, Instructional Effectiveness, Self Efficacy
DOI: 10.1177/21541647251400231
ISSN: 2154-1647
Abstract: 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.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1496414
Database: ERIC
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Abstract: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.
ISSN:2154-1647
DOI:10.1177/21541647251400231