The Benefits of Virtual Reality Technology for Rehabilitation of Children with Autism: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This paper presents a literature review of the importance of virtual technology for rehabilitation for people with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). ASD is diagnosed as a neurological disability characterized by a range of physical and mental disorders and whose first symptoms appear during early childhood. People with autism deal with issues with social communication, behavior, and attention skills. As a sensitive disturbance, adapted technology allows to re-learn skills stimulating procedures about how to proceed, communicate or behave without difficulties in unexpected environments. The use of technology in educational contexts, home or at school, helps prevent and teach younger people with ASD. Considering different technologies as more appropriate methods, Virtual Reality (VR) applications and personalized environments provide better simulation and comfortable environments. As the main advantage of VR, complete immersion and interactive experience promotes constant learning for people with autism. This systematic review details the benefits of VR studies and compares the benefits of different interactive technologies according to the deficits of several individuals. The use of technology versus the traditional path on therapies helps obtain better and faster results over time. Finally, it explains how VR can be recognized as a tool to help develop cognitive, verbal and nonverbal skills and recognizes technology as a good ally to face fears or reactions by ASD people.