Job interview training targeting nonverbal communication using an android robot for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Job interviews are significant barriers for individuals with autism spectrum disorder because these individuals lack good nonverbal communication skills. We developed a job interview training program using an android robot. The job interview training program using an android robot consists the following three stages: (1) tele-operating an android robot and conversing with others through the android robot, (2) a face-to-face mock job interview with the android robot, and (3) feedback based on the mock job interview and nonverbal communication exercises using the android robot. The participants were randomly assigned to the following two groups: one group received a combined intervention with “interview guidance by teachers and job interview training program using an android robot” ( n = 13), and the other group received an intervention with interview guidance by teachers alone ( n = 16). Before and after the intervention, the participants in both groups underwent a mock job interview with a human interviewer, who provided outcome measurements of nonverbal communication, self-confidence, and salivary cortisol. After the training sessions, the participants who received the combined interview guidance by teachers and the job interview training program using an android robot intervention displayed improved nonverbal communication skills and self-confidence and had significantly lower levels of salivary cortisol than the participants who only received interview guidance by teachers. The job interview training program using an android robot improved various measures of job interview skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Optimal robot for intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorders

“…Robots have a variety of stimulus elements. For example, Kumazaki et al 22 suggested that gaze, voice volume, nodding, and facial expressions (e.g., smiling, nodding, and brow movements) are potential stimuli. It is difficult to determine which stimulus is stronger.…”

“…Previous research has revealed its potential to promote selfdisclosure in adolescents with ASD (mean age, 15.91 years), 14 and to improve JA in children with ASD (age, 5-6 years). 3 Actroid-F Actroid-F 22,[42][43][44] ( Fig. 1g; height, 165 cm; weight, 30 kg), a female type of humanoid robot, has an appearance similar to that of a real person.…”

“…The potential application of android robots has been shown in interventions for individuals with ASD. Kumazaki et al 22 developed a job-interview training program using an android robot (Actroid-F). In their study, individuals with ASD received the training and underwent a mock job interview with a human interviewer before and after the training.…”

“…Actroid‐F 22,42–44 (Fig. 1g; height, 165 cm; weight, 30 kg), a female type of humanoid robot, has an appearance similar to that of a real person.…”

“…During speech, it can also incorporate changes in facial expression (e.g., smiling, nodding, and brow movements). A previous study 22 demonstrated its potential to promote individuals with ASD (18–27 years old) to understand the importance of nonverbal communication.…”