The potential of virtual environments to support soft-skill acquisition for individuals with autism

dc.contributor.authorGallup, Jennifer
dc.contributor.authorLittle, Mary E.
dc.contributor.authorSerianni, Barbara
dc.contributor.authorKocaöz, Onur
dc.date.accessioned13.07.201910:50:10
dc.date.accessioned2019-07-16T08:21:39Z
dc.date.available13.07.201910:50:10
dc.date.available2019-07-16T08:21:39Z
dc.date.issued2017
dc.departmentEğitim Fakültesi
dc.description.abstractThis study examined the phenomenon of online gaming to describe the social interactions of young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they socialize and develop relationships within virtual environments. This research built upon previous literature related to the identification of alternate modes of developing social skills and interpersonal relationships of adolescents with ASD by exploring the social implications of virtual environments. Young adults with autism experience grim outcomes such as low enrollment in postsecondary education, low wages, few living independently, and few maintaining full time employment as a result of poor social skills. Given the availability of online mediums such as massively multiplayer online role playing games, discussion forums, chat rooms, and other social media, individuals with ASD have opportunities to interact without the constraints of face-to-face settings. A phenomenological study was employed using multi-sourced data. Findings yielded 15 initial codes that were developed into five main themes. Findings support a recognition and reciprocation of emotions, friendship development, and role identification. Additionally, the findings support skills required to be successful in postsecondary situations, specifically aligned with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). © 2017: Jennifer Gallup, Mary E. Little, Barbara Serianni, Onur Kocaoz, and Nova Southeastern University.
dc.description.sponsorshipInstitute of Education Sciences Office of Special Education Programs, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
dc.description.sponsorshipDr. Mary E. Little is a Professor and Program Coordinator in Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida. She has received in excess of $19 million in external funding for research and development from federal, state, and foundation funding agencies including the Institute for Educational Sciences (IES) and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: mlittleucf@aol.com.
dc.identifier.endpage2532en_US
dc.identifier.issn1052-0147
dc.identifier.issue9en_US
dc.identifier.scopusqualityQ1
dc.identifier.startpage2509en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12451/2281
dc.identifier.volume22en_US
dc.identifier.wosqualityN/A
dc.indekslendigikaynakWeb of Science
dc.indekslendigikaynakScopus
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherNova Southeastern University
dc.relation.ispartofQualitative Report
dc.relation.publicationcategoryMakale - Uluslararası Hakemli Dergi - Kurum Öğretim Elemanı
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subjectEmotional Awareness
dc.subjectFriendships
dc.subjectPostsecondary Transition
dc.subjectRole Identification
dc.subjectTranscendental Phenomenology
dc.subjectVirtual Environments
dc.subjectYoung Adults With Autism
dc.titleThe potential of virtual environments to support soft-skill acquisition for individuals with autism
dc.typeArticle

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