Wei Wang

Research Fellow

“We feel and know that we are eternal”

Baruch Spinoza

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Empathic Communication: Autism Inclusive Interaction Training with Avatars

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Investigators

  • Kalin Stefanov, Research Fellow,Department of Human Centred Computing, Monash University
  • Charmine Hartel - Distinguished Professor & Director Opportunity Tech Lab, Monash Business School, Monash University
  • Wei Wang, Research Fellow, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University
  • Kristian Rotaru, Professor & Associate Director Opportunity Tech Lab, Faculty of Business and Economics
  • Robbie Fordyce, Senior Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Faculty of Arts
  • John Grundy, Professor (Research), Department of Software Systems & Cybersecurity, Faculty of Information Technology
  • Erin Leif, Associate Professor, School of Educational Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Education
  • Lucy Albertella, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Mike Tozer, CEO, Xceptional
  • Phil Hayes-Brown, CEO, Wallara
Need Design People Impact
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Funding details

Monash Business School Interdisciplinary Research (IDR) SEED Fund

  • AU$24060
Funding amount AU$24060
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Project summary

This project is about communication between autistic and non-autistic people at work.

Often, communication problems are treated as if autistic people are the only ones who need to change. This project takes a different view. It asks non-autistic people to learn more about autistic communication too.

The team will build a 3D avatar training platform. The platform will show realistic examples of autistic communication, such as being direct, staying with a topic, or using fewer body-language cues.

Autistic people will help shape the avatars and scenarios. This helps make the training more respectful, accurate, and less biased.

  • Help non-autistic people understand autistic communication.
  • Use avatars to practise workplace situations.
  • Include autistic feedback in the design.
  • Support safer and more inclusive workplaces.
Communication Avatar Practice Inclusion

👤 Investigators

  • Kalin Stefanov, Research Fellow,Department of Human Centred Computing, Monash University
  • Charmine Hartel - Distinguished Professor & Director Opportunity Tech Lab, Monash Business School, Monash University
  • Wei Wang, Research Fellow, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University
  • Kristian Rotaru, Professor & Associate Director Opportunity Tech Lab, Faculty of Business and Economics
  • Robbie Fordyce, Senior Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Faculty of Arts
  • John Grundy, Professor (Research), Department of Software Systems & Cybersecurity, Faculty of Information Technology
  • Erin Leif, Associate Professor, School of Educational Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Education
  • Lucy Albertella, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Mike Tozer, CEO, Xceptional
  • Phil Hayes-Brown, CEO, Wallara

💲 Funding details

  • Monash Business School Interdisciplinary Research (IDR) SEED Fund
  • AU$24060

🎓 Project summary

Workplace communication breakdowns between neurotypical and autistic individuals are often misunderstood as stemming solely from autistic deficits, placing responsibility on the autistic individuals to change. This project develops a 3D avatar-based training platform grounded in Double Empathy Theory to help neurotypical individuals better understand and engage with autistic communication. By simulating authentic autistic interaction styles—such as directness, topic persistence, and reduced nonverbal cues—the platform fosters emotional inclusion and cognitive justice in diverse teams. The platform will incorporate feedback from autistic individuals on the avatars and scenario creation to ensure authenticity and reduce bias. The aim is to promote emotional inclusion and psychological safety, not procedural diversity.