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

Conversational virtual human (VH) agents are increasingly used to support role-play experiential learning. This project examined whether a Virtual Interactive Training Agent (ViTA) system would improve job interviewing skills in individuals with autism and developmental disabilities (N = 32). A line...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 905 - 913
Main Authors: Burke, Shanna L., Bresnahan, Tammy, Tan Li, Epner, Katrina, Rizzo, Albert, Partin, Mary, Ahlness, Robert M., Trimmer, Matthew
Format: equations & formulas pictorial research tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Springer Nature Mar2018
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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Summary:Conversational virtual human (VH) agents are increasingly used to support role-play experiential learning. This project examined whether a Virtual Interactive Training Agent (ViTA) system would improve job interviewing skills in individuals with autism and developmental disabilities (N = 32). A linear mixed model was employed to evaluate adjusted least square mean differences of means scores on the Marino Interview Assessment Scale (MIAS) across different time points. The mean score of MIAS over all questions increased between the first ViTA session and the final face-to-face interview. Participants developed the ability to identify strengths, self-promote, self-advocate, answer situational questions, and respond to behavioral/ social questions as measured by multiple evaluations using the MIAS.