While academic interest in AI and Autism is rising, a significant number of studies have focused on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in therapeutic interventions for individuals on the autism spectrum. These studies suggest that, for most participants, VR can be an effective tool for improving social skills, managing anxiety, and accelerating the learning process.  Virtual Reality is no longer just a tool for gaming and entertainment; its innovative applications are making significant strides in various fields, including healthcare and education.

However, despite its potential, how practical is this technology in real-life settings? The lack of resources in many Special Educational Needs (SEN) environments poses a significant barrier, leaving many schools and therapy services unable to access or implement these cutting-edge tools. For VR to fulfil its promise, we need to address these accessibility challenges and ensure that its benefits reach those who need it most.

How VR Autism therapy transforms occupational therapy.

Research shows that VR can create safe, engaging, and customisable experiences for individuals on the autism spectrum. Here are three key areas where VR is making an impact:

Enhancing Social Skills

A 2022 study suggests that by simulating real-life scenarios like navigating a job interview or engaging in small talk, VR enables users to build confidence without the pressure of real-world consequences. Programs such as “Floreo” have shown significant success in creating interactive scenarios tailored to each user’s developmental level and learning needs

Reducing anxiety

For individuals with ASD, managing anxiety in overstimulating environments like crowded public spaces can be challenging. Virtual Reality for autism therapy offers a controlled and customizable way to address these anxieties, making it a game-changing tool for reducing stress and enhancing coping skills. Maskey et al. (2014), demonstrated that VR-based exposure therapy can gradually introduce users to stressful situations in a controlled manner. For example, VR simulations of a busy shopping mall allow users to repeatedly practice coping mechanisms at their own pace. This approach proved particularly effective for children and young adults who find traditional exposure therapy overwhelming.

Improving learning and engagement

In educational settings, VR is helping to make abstract concepts more tangible. A 2021 systematic review, indicated that VR interventions can significantly assist children on the spectrum, particularly in areas requiring direct skill application. For example, one VR program allows learners to practice crossing the street safely by rehearsing traffic scanning and signal responses, without real-world risk.

Another VR module simulates a grocery store environment, enabling children to identify items, locate aisles, and interact with virtual store employees in a stress-free, repeatable setting. By offering these hands-on, realistic experiences, VR captures attention and facilitates deeper understanding in ways that traditional classroom methods may not.

Challenges and accessibility

While Virtual Reality (VR) offers exciting possibilities for autism therapy, its adoption faces notable challenges. A key hurdle is the high cost of VR equipment and software. Many SEN schools operate under the tight budgets of local authorities, making it difficult to afford VR headsets, compatible hardware, and specialised programs. These financial barriers limit access to this innovative technology for institutions and families alike.

Another significant challenge is the lack of training and expertise among educators and therapists. To effectively use VR in therapy, professionals need to be skilled in operating the technology, customising programs for individual needs, and troubleshooting technical issues. However, limited access to training programs and ongoing staffing shortages in SEN environments make it harder to integrate VR seamlessly.

Additionally, accessibility issues extend beyond finances and training. VR systems may not always cater to the diverse needs of individuals with autism, particularly those with sensory sensitivities. For example, some users might find VR environments overwhelming due to excessive visual or auditory stimuli, making the experience counterproductive. Adapting VR programs to accommodate varying sensory profiles might be time-consuming, but it’s crucial and remains an area where development is still slow.

Lastly, there’s still so much we don’t know about the long-term effects of VR therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum. The short-term benefits are clear, but what happens after months or years of use? Does it lead to meaningful, lasting changes, or do the effects fade over time? Without more research, we can’t fully understand VR’s long-term impact or its true potential as a transformative tool for autism therapy.

To learn more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), visit the National Autistic Society’s website, which provides detailed resources and insights: www.autism.org.uk