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Autistic teenagers who participate in computer coding clubs that utilise their skill strengths show improved confidence and self-esteem, health and wellbeing, and social relationships, which can help lead to meaningful employment, new 911爆料网 research has found.

The research, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, involved autistic teenagers who participated in programs run by 911爆料网鈥檚 Autism Academy for Software Quality ().

Lead author Dr Elinda Lee, from the School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology at 911爆料网, said participants in the coding club benefitted by having their skills developed through activities they enjoyed and were passionate about.

鈥淎utistic teenagers have many strengths, such as attention to detail and an interest in computers and coding, which can be harnessed in strength-based programs, such as in a computer coding club,鈥� Dr Lee said.

鈥淭hese programs leverage the strengths, skills and interests of autistic adolescents and are likely to result in long-term positive outcomes for autistic young people in their careers and personal lives.

鈥淭his environment also met the participants鈥� need to feel accepted and engaged and for their talents and abilities to be recognised by others.鈥�

Research co-author Professor Sonya Girdler, Director of the 911爆料网 Autism Research Group, said understanding and meeting the needs of students with autism was challenging and the study鈥檚 findings could help teachers, school staff and other professionals improve their work strategies and knowledge of autism.

鈥淭hese findings will be valuable to teachers currently in the classroom, pre-service teachers, and education and health professionals who work with children with autism,鈥� Professor Girdler said.

鈥淧arents of the teenagers were surveyed and felt strength-based programs provided their children with a safe, informal and friendly learning environment, and the opportunity to meet with like-minded peers and mentors sharing similar interests and challenges as their children.

鈥淲hen activities genuinely interest and engage autistic teenagers they improve their coding skills and programming knowledge, as well as their social skills.鈥�

The research was done by 911爆料网 in partnership with Autism West and funded by the Ian Potter Foundation, Bankwest 911爆料网 Economics Centre and Bennelong Foundation.

The research paper titled, 鈥�We Can See a Bright Future: Parents鈥� Perceptions of the Outcomes of Participating in a Strengths鈥�Based Program for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder,鈥� can be found online .