AI-VTSBS – NSF CIVIC Innovation

Institutions:

Principal Investigators: Nilanjan Sarkar, Mary Baker-Ericzen, Keivan Stassun

Personnel: Dr. Dave Caudel, Abigale Plunk, Devon Wilson, Juliette Meehan

Outline:

One in 36 individuals in the US has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Each year in the US, approximately 70,000 autistic children become autistic adults and immediately face a litany of disheartening statistics regarding independent living, community participation, and employment. 85% of autistic adults are un/under-employed, and research shows that adults with autism rate employment as their top concern for improved quality of life. However, a major impediment for autistic individuals to access work opportunities specifically, let alone to maximize career options and a life of independence, is lack of independence with transportation; fewer than 30% of driving-age autistic individuals are licensed to drive. Our team has developed an AI-based Vehicle Technology Simulator with Behavioral Strategies (AI-VTSBS) system specifically designed for this population – comprising a virtual-reality driving simulator with artificial intelligence-based analysis and feedback, together with a curriculum built on a cognitive behavioral intervention for driving – to address this need. The outcomes of this project will benefit autistic individuals, their families and caregivers, and employers seeking to better harness the unique capabilities of this underutilized workforce. Participants stated that the technology, “Helped me get a feeling for a car”, “I can focus on how to drive” and “taught me to consider road conditions”. Many spontaneously indicated the high importance of the cognitive-behavioral curriculum and the use of the simulator to practice newly taught skills. Example quotes include “I feel more confident about attention shifting” and “Get to redo things and be able to problem solve and practice what the correct thing to do is” as it was “difficult at first but it became easier as practiced more”.

In the news:

RASL Director, Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, receives prestigious NSF CIVIC Stage 2 Award

https://education.sdsu.edu/news/2023/removing-roadblocks-to-driving-for-autism-community

https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/sdsu-uses-ai-to-teach-people-with-autism-on-how-to-drive/

https://thedailyaztec.com/115862/news/sdsu-partners-with-vanderbilt-university-to-create-driving-simulation-for-those-with-autism/

Presentations: