Harnessing Virtual Reality: Improving Social Skills in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges in social communication and daily functioning.
• Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology offering immersive and controlled environments for therapeutic interventions.
• Previous research suggests VR's potential to improve social skills in individuals with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of VR-based interventions for enhancing social skills in adults with ASD.
• To assess the impact of VR on various aspects of social functioning and daily life for adults with ASD.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted across major databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase.
• No search time restrictions were applied to ensure a thorough review of available studies.
• The review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) for transparency.

Main Results:

• VR interventions demonstrated significant improvements in job interview skills, general social abilities, and practical task performance in adults with ASD.
• Participants reported enhanced confidence, better social understanding, and improved everyday skills following VR-based training.
• VR technology was found to be user-friendly, effective, and adaptable for immersive training experiences.

Conclusions:

• VR interventions represent a promising therapeutic avenue for improving social skills, job interview capabilities, and daily functioning in adults with ASD.
• Further research is needed to standardize VR interventions and explore their integration with other therapies to address comorbidities like anxiety and depression.
• Broader studies are recommended to fully understand the long-term effectiveness and applicability of VR for the ASD population.