The possibility and importance of immersive technologies during COVID-19 for autistic people

Newbutt, Nigel; Schmidt, Matthew M.; Riva, Giuseppe; Schmidt, Carla

Abstract

© 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify three key areas where autistic people may find themselves impacted through COVID-19, namely, education; employment; and anxiety. Design/methodology/approach: This paper provides some views based on the extensive experience of using immersive technologies for the utilisation and application with autistic groups during COVID-19. Findings: This paper offers some examples of immersive technology application that might be helpful for practitioners, services and others to consider in overcoming possible challenges faced by people with autism. Originality/value: This opinion piece offers expert insights to the role immersive technologies and virtual reality might play during COVID-19 in the lives of autistic groups.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 27, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Oct 30, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 2, 2020
• Deposit Date: Oct 1, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 1, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Enabling Technologies
• Print ISSN: 2398-6263
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 187-199
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-07-2020-0028
• Keywords: autism, virtual reality, covid-19, immersive technology, education, employment, mental well-being
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6735576
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/2398-6263