Wei Wang

Research Fellow

“We feel and know that we are eternal”

Baruch Spinoza

Empathic Communication: Autism Inclusive Interaction Training with Avatars

👤 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.