Using virtual interactive training agents with adults with autism and other developmental disabilities

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 statistically 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.