Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Remote Vignette-Based Training On Social Initiations Of Young Adults With Autism: A Preliminary Report, Emily P. Murray, Amanda Karsten

Student Summer Scholars Manuscripts

People with Level 1 autism have few work opportunities compared to neurotypical peers due to differences in soft skills. This study evaluates a training package for conversational initiations at work. Participants are young adults with autism who are at least 16 years old. Prior to the study, an employer survey was conducted to examine: (a) the social validity of researchers’ definition of appropriate conditions to initiate conversation and (b) whether written vignettes were ecologically valid with respect to common conversational opportunities in the workplace. During the Zoom-based training phase, which is ongoing, participants respond to vignettes (i.e., scenarios). Scenarios systematically …