Virtual and Augmented Reality in Social Skills Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Growing interest in technology-based interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) show potential for ASD assessments and interventions.
• VR/AR tools are generally acceptable to individuals with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of studies using VR and AR for social skills interventions in ASD.
• To identify trends, participant demographics, and intervention characteristics.
• To highlight gaps and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of 49 studies.
• Analysis of studies utilizing VR and AR technology.
• Focus on social skills interventions for individuals with ASD.

Main Results:

• Studies primarily targeted children and adolescents; few included very young children or adults.
• Low participant numbers were common across studies.
• Female participants were underrepresented in the reviewed literature.
• VR and AR were applied in social skills interventions for ASD.

Conclusions:

• VR and AR are promising technologies for ASD social skills interventions.
• Further research is needed with more rigorous designs.
• Future studies should incorporate established, evidence-based intervention strategies.
• Inclusion of diverse age groups and better representation of females are recommended.