Exploration of the feasibility and safety of virtual reality intervention for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (IVR) interventions in improving adaptive skills in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods From September 2023 to August 2024, 33 ASD participants aged 8 - 16 years were recruited to undergo an IVR intervention lasting an average of 8 weeks, with one session per week and each session lasting 1 hour. Assessments were conducted using questionnaires, interviews, and task completion time. Results Finally 84.8% of participants completed the intervention. In terms of acceptability, 100% of participants and their guardians were satisfied with the intervention setup and found the content engaging. The Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) results showed that the total score after the first intervention was within an acceptable range (0.41±0.85), but it significantly decreased to 0.26±0.98 after the final intervention(t=-2.150, P=0.041). Regarding safety, 39.4% of participants and 33.3% of guardians reported mild discomfort, primarily dizziness. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) total score after the first intervention was within an acceptable range (19.77±12.07), and it was 17.36±13.11 after the final intervention, with no statistically significant difference (t=1.060, P=0.298). In terms of effectiveness, the total score of the self-designed daily living skills questionnaire significantly improved (t=3.788, P=0.001), and the completion times for IVR tasks across various scenarios significantly decreased. Conclusions The IVR system is safe, feasible, and effective for children and adolescents with ASD. Future studies should include control groups, expand the participant pool, incorporate more Objective assessments, and optimize the system to reduce motion sickness and enhance usability.

Keywords

autism spectrum disorder / immersive virtual reality / adaptive ability / feasibility / safety