Using Virtual Interactive Training Agents (ViTA) with Adults with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

Shanna L. Burke, Tammy Bresnahan, Tan Li, Katrina Epnere, Albert Rizzo, Mary Partin, Robert M. Ahlness, Matthew Trimmer
2017 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders  
Conversational Virtual Human (VH) agents are increasingly being used to support role-play experiential learning across a range of use-cases and populations. This project examined whether use of the Virtual Interactive Training Agent (VITA) system would improve job interviewing skills in a sample of persons with autism or other developmental disability. The study examined performance differences between baseline and final interviews in face-to-face and virtual reality conditions, and whether
more » ... istically significant increases were demonstrated between interviewing conditions. Paired samples t-tests were utilized to examine mean changes in performance by interview stage and in the overall difference between baseline and final interview stages. The preliminary results indicated that VITA is a positive factor when preparing young adults with autism or other developmental disability for employment interviews. Statistically significant results were demonstrated across all pilot conditions and in all but one post-assessment condition.
doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3374-z pmid:29168090 fatcat:dsqno6bblzhsflsrocxm6futcm