Abstract
One of the challenges of educating adolescents with autism spectrum disorders is to find activities that
are interesting and engaging. Researchers have shown that adolescents with autism often are attracted
to technology. Using an exploratory research method, the experiences of three students with autism who
participated in after school robotics clubs were analyzed. Common themes to emerge were the students
with ASD were engaged and interested in FIRST robotics and technology. Specifically, they enjoyed
coming up with ideas, inventions, and creating or solving missions. Their confidence increased and they
learned to work better on teams. Additionally, they needed significant supports to participate in FIRST
Robotics.