Award Date

12-15-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education

First Committee Member

Jenna Weglarz-Ward

Second Committee Member

Joseph Morgan

Third Committee Member

Catharine Lory

Fourth Committee Member

Xue Xing

Number of Pages

161

Abstract

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to face persistent barriers to employment, often stemming from challenges in communication, adaptability, and multitasking. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool to strengthen these employment skills through immersive, low-stress practice. This study evaluated a VR-based intervention using Floreo VR modules, guided practice, and performance feedback to enhance job readiness among high school students with ASD. A multiple-probe design across three skill domains: multitasking, handling interruptions and changes, and workplace communication to examine skill acquisition and maintenance with three students with ASD aged 16–18. Data from task-analysis checklists, interobserver agreement scoring, and fidelity measures indicated significant improvement across all participants, with the strongest gains in multitasking. Participants maintained performance during maintenance probes and reported greater independence and confidence, while parents noted improved readiness for employment. Findings support VR-based instruction as an effective and engaging approach to improving pre-employment readiness in youth with ASD. Implications for educators, behavior analysts, and families emphasize the benefits of integrating technology-based simulations into transition programming to promote independence and workforce participation.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder; Job readiness; Pre-employment skills; Special education; Transition to employment; Virtual reality training

Disciplines

Education | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Special Education and Teaching

File Format

PDF

File Size

2400 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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