Promoting Acquisition and Generalization of Skills for Individuals Severely Impacted by Autism Using Immersive Technologies

This chapter outlines the influences and supports for Virtuoso, an immersive 3D learning intervention for adults severely impacted by autism. In addition, the design of Virtuoso’s prototype intervention focusing on learning to use public transportation is described, along with descriptions of a spherical video-based virtual reality mobile app and a three-dimensional collaborative virtual learning environment. Clear background is provided on autism spectrum disorders and their impacts on individuals’ abilities to transition from secondary education into adulthood, including the use of information and communication technologies as a means for providing interventions for this population. Research literature is explicated that presents insight into how to promote behavior and skill generalizations with an explanation of how specific skills generalization heuristics map onto the design topography of Virtuoso’s public transportation prototype. This chapter concludes with a discussion of the promise of immersive technologies and possible future intersections related to the strengths and challenges of current research.