Non-Invasive BCI-VR Applied Protocols as Intervention Paradigms on School-Aged Subjects with ASD: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Computer Science
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents challenges in social and cognitive functioning.
• Computer-based interventions offer a controlled environment beneficial for individuals with ASD.
• Virtual Reality (VR) combined with Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology presents a novel approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight non-invasive BCI-VR protocols as intervention paradigms for school-aged subjects with ASD.
• To examine the effectiveness of BCI-VR interventions on core ASD symptoms.
• To review the state of the art in BCI-VR applications for ASD.

Main Methods:

• Review of nine non-invasive BCI-VR protocols applied between 2016 and 2023.
• Focus on BCI paradigms, intervention procedures, and observed outcomes.
• Analysis of suitability for individuals with ASD, considering reduced environmental stimuli and controlled system responses.

Main Results:

• BCI-VR interventions demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive and social deficits in children and adolescents with ASD.
• Improvements were observed regardless of age or IQ.
• Protocols were found to be easy to handle, maintain, and have no reported side effects.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive BCI-VR protocols are a promising, safe, and effective tool for enhancing social and cognitive skills in school-aged individuals with ASD.
• Despite research limitations, BCI-VR offers a valuable intervention paradigm.
• The controlled nature of computer-based VR environments is particularly suited for ASD interventions.