title: Vocational exploration in an extracurricular technology program for youth with autism.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Within a life span approach, introducing opportunities to explore careers through activities of interest provide ways for children to learn to explore, problem solve, and envision a future for themselves. However, little information exists about programs to promote social engagement and to explore potential career interests for youth with autism.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Explore engagement and learning in a technology-based extracurricular program (called iSTAR) for youth with autism.
  
  
  METHODS
  The researchers used a qualitative approach with grounded-theory analysis to explore the processes that contributed to engagement and learning for youth with autism in an technology-based extracurricular program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Youth Centered Learning and Opportunities to Demonstrate Skills emerged as themes that illuminated the processes by which engagement and learning occurred for the youth in the iSTAR program. Interest in the graphics program stimulated interactions amongst the youth with each other and with the adults. Modeling, demonstration, and scaffolded questioning supported engagement and learning for all the youth. Providing structure, encouraging choices, and following the youths' lead provided bridges for sharing and learning about the technology program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Career exploration through use of interests in technology can provide opportunities for youth with autism to develop social and technical skills needed later for employment. Providing an environment that recognizes and builds on the youths' strengths and supports their autonomy and choices are critical components to promote their positive development and career potential.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy, Brenau University, Gainsville, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.affiliation: Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Marissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Diener
authors.affiliation: Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: iSTAR Project, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Amruta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Narumanchi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002321:Career Choice; D002648:Child; D003196:Computer Graphics; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D058992:Social Participation; D013672:Technology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Strength-based; interests; positive youth development; school-aged children