Existing research involving children with autism suggests that autonomous (self directed)
virtual humans can be used successfully to improve language skills, and that authorable
(researcher controlled) virtual humans can be used to improve social skills. This research
combines these ideas and investigates the use of autonomous virtual humans for teaching
and facilitating practice of basic social skills in the areas of greeting, conversation skills,
listening and turn taking. The Social Tutor software features three virtual human 'characters' …