The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Our research-based project uses computer-based 3D software to facilitate personal, social and vocational skills in youth with autism. We involve community-based partners and build on interests and strengths of youth with autism. A major goal is to enhance development of technology skills that will lead to successful employment. The iSTAR program is a multi-agency and local business collaborative effort that addresses the significantly low rate of post-secondary employment and education participation for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recent research indicates that 79% of young adults with ASD are not participating in post-secondary education and/or employment the first two years after they leave public school. This is a higher rate than any other disability category, and it is particularly pronounced for low-income youth with ASD.

The focus of the iSTAR project is an interdisciplinary, collaborative, longitudinal approach that will increase the likelihood that young adults with ASD can transition into community-based living and employment. Major technology and engineering corporations (e.g., SAP) are beginning to recognize the technical expertise that young adults with ASD demonstrate. However, there are few if any interdisciplinary resources available to identify, recruit, train, and transition these individuals successfully transition to the workplace. This effort requires coordination between public schools, services providers, state agencies, university researchers, and employers.

The iSTAR project is supported by Trimble, Inc. (Boulder, CO) and the use of their 3D design software – SketchUp, and based on research and the education curriculum developed by Dr. Cheryl Wright and Dr. Scott Wright with the University of Utah iSTAR program team (Marissa Diener and Deborah Rafferty). iSTAR’s initial goal was to help youth with ASD and their families identify personal and technical strengths that could be a foundation for creativity, improved social skills, collaboration with peers and adult mentors, and vocational readiness. iSTAR is collaborating with Trimble to expand the program to include vocational readiness and transition. iSTAR has worked with over 50 students from 8 -21 years old, teaching them 3-D software design and rendering skills using SketchUp Make, a 3D freeware design program used by architects, engineers, game designers, and other professions. We have worked in rural and urban communities (The Dalles, OR, Orlando Florida, Boulder, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT) and use a community-based participatory research design in our on going efforts. Based on this research, iSTAR has completed a curriculum program (known as “NeuroVersity”) that can be easily adopted in secondary, post-secondary, and vocational training programs. iSTAR’s early research indicated that students with ASD demonstrated increased skills in social and technical skills as they receive SketchUp training in small groups from technical experts and peer mentors, but there is little data on transition to actual job readiness. In our presentation we will:

1. Review and demonstrate the merits of a multi-site (Colorado and Utah) educational technology program that facilitates personal, social, and vocational skills in youth with autism.
2. Describe the research findings supporting the curriculum goals and objectives and how to foster strong community-based programs.
3. Discuss the emergent activities related to the curriculum manuals for youth with autism, parents, train-the-trainer, and the expansion of internship and paid positions with related businesses and companies that have interests in vocational skills related to 3D design technologies.

Learning Objectives: