Improving workplace social skills for young adults with autism
Applied Social Cognitive Skills in the Workplace for Transition-Aged Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
This study is testing a fun computer program called SOCIAL-Work that helps young people with autism learn and practice social skills they need for jobs, using realistic workplace scenarios to make it easier for them to communicate and connect with others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Simmersion, LLC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10813762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a computer-based program called SOCIAL-Work, aimed at helping transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorders improve their social cognitive skills in the workplace. The program will provide interactive training modules that simulate real workplace scenarios, allowing participants to practice communication and social interactions with peers. By leveraging input from community stakeholders, the program seeks to address the challenges these individuals face in sustaining employment due to social communication difficulties. Participants will engage in a 3-D virtual environment to enhance their understanding of workplace dynamics and improve their conversational skills.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorders who are seeking to improve their workplace communication skills.
Not a fit: Patients who are not within the transition age range or do not have autism spectrum disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the employment sustainability and social integration of young adults with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that computer-based training can effectively enhance social skills in individuals with autism, suggesting a promising approach for this program.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- Simmersion, LLC. — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olsen, Dale Edward — Simmersion, LLC.
- Study coordinator: Olsen, Dale Edward
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.