VR lets kids with autism travel differently

Posted by Anita Froneman on 3 February 2020

A school for children with autism in England uses virtual reality technology for something other than entertainment, by letting the students experience the wonders of travelling without moving an inch.

People on the autism spectrum (which can vary in degree) sometimes find new places overwhelming and especially children, who can be overwhelmed by sensory stimulation and who need familiarity and routine.

However, seeing beautiful new places can also be a wonderfully enriching experience and so virtual reality could be one way of helping a child learn about new places without feeling overwhelmed. Being in a completely safe and controlled environment, the extent of external stimulation can be closely monitored and should a student feel uncomfortable, he or she may stop at any time.

‘Our young people, they have difficulties with sensory issues so they can find it overwhelming going to very busy places,’ said Nuno Guerreiro, a computing teacher at Prior’s Court School Prior’s Court in Berkshire, southern England according to VOA News. With this technology, they hope to give to these children something they might otherwise not be able to have.

Other institutions have also done research on the effect of virtual reality therapy on the treatment of phobias in autistic children. These phobias can include, but are not limited to: a fear of public transport, classrooms, balloons, and animals, according to Forbes. 

The research involved a controlled and randomized trial of 32 children aged between 8-14. The results showed that 25% of the group experienced an alleviation in the experience of the phobia two weeks after the treatment ended. This increased to 38% after six months.

Image: Pexels

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