CAVE automatic virtual environment technology to enhance social participation of autistic people: A classification and literature review

CAVE technology enables multi-participant experiences without head-mounted displays, accommodating the sensory sensitivities of autistic people and helping to enhance their social participation in the community. To date, recent studies have primarily identified therapeutic uses, without focusing on the technology’s recreational applications. To address this gap in the literature, our study aims to explore how CAVE technology can support the social participation of autistic people. This study was developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020) protocol to ensure a robust and rigorous SLR. Results show 1) That there are different types of CAVE technology with numerous potential benefits for autistic people multi-participant engagement, sensory comfort, and customizable learning; 2) That CAVE technologies can enable the development of different social skills distinguishing personal emotions or understanding the intentions of others and adapting to the context. 3) Cost, technical complexity, space requirement, mobility, and learning curve are some of the barriers preventing this technology from being widely used in community or school organizations. In conclusion, this study suggests that CAVE technology can enhance social skills in autistic people and holds promise for innovative and inclusive leisure pursuits tailored for autism inclusion.