title: Virtual reality job interview training in adults with autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: The feasibility and efficacy of virtual reality job interview training (VR-JIT) was assessed in a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Adults with autism spectrum disorder were randomized to VR-JIT (n = 16) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n = 10) groups. VR-JIT consisted of simulated job interviews with a virtual character and didactic training. Participants attended 90 % of laboratory-based training sessions, found VR-JIT easy to use and enjoyable, and they felt prepared for future interviews. VR-JIT participants had greater improvement during live standardized job interview role-play performances than TAU participants (p = 0.046). A similar pattern was observed for self-reported self-confidence at a trend level (p = 0.060). VR-JIT simulation performance scores increased over time (R(2) = 0.83). Results indicate preliminary support for the feasibility and efficacy of VR-JIT, which can be administered using computer software or via the internet.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 446 E. Ontario Suite 7-100, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA, matthewsmith@northwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Ginger
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Julie Lounds
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Laura Boteler
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Humm
authors.forename: Dale E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: Morris D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Fleming
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007586:Job Application; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult