Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Dec 10, 2023
Date Accepted: May 27, 2024
Behavioral Intervention for Autistic Adults on Distribution of Attention in Triadic Conversations: A/B Tested Pre-Post Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Cross-neurotype differences in social communication patterns contribute to high unemployment rates among autistic adults.
Objective:
We propose a behavioral intervention concerning distribution of attention in triadic (three-way) conversations.
Methods:
Our system uses a non-obtrusive head orientation estimation model to track the focus of attention of the subject. The intervention employs data analysis and video modeling along with a constructive discussion about the targeted behaviors. Twenty-four autistic individuals participated in the study. Based on their attention distribution behavior in an initial conversation session, 11 of the 12 participants in the test group received an intervention in at least one domain, such as maximum exclusion duration or average contact duration.
Results:
Of the 11 participants who received the intervention, 10 showed improvement in at least one domain on which they received feedback. The improvements of those who received interventions were statistically significant compared to the control group. In total, 78% of the interventions resulted in significant improvements.
Conclusions:
Our proposed behavioral intervention offers a useful framework for practicing social attention behavior in multi-party conversations which are common in social and professional settings.
Citation
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Copyright
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