The potential of virtual reality technologies to support people with an autism condition: A case study of acceptance, presence and negative effects

Newbutt, Nigel; Sung, C; Kuo, HJ; Leahy, M. J

Abstract

There has been much potential and discussion about the application of virtual reality technologies (VRTs) using head-mounted displays (HMDs) for users with autism However, very few, if any studies, have yet to explore and investigate the acceptance, presence and ecological validity of these platforms. On the other hand, literature is well developed in areas such as virtual environments [18], virtual worlds [9], [19] and virtual reality [20], but few have considered the resurgence in head-mounted displays for autistic users. Many of the affordances associated with VEs and VWs may be applied HMDs and VRTs and so are also seen a potential opportunity for people with autism to tackle challenges faced on a daily basis. We present findings from a study conducted in the United States that worked with a HMD (Oculus Rift) and 29 participants with an autism condition. We ran the experiment in two phases. Phase I considered acceptance of this wearable technology; looking at issues of sensitivity. Phase II consider sense of presence, immersion, ecological validity and negative effects [16]. Concluding with pre- and post- anxiety measurements [17]. The paper will discuss the quantitative findings of the study.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Conference Name: Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference
• Start Date: Jun 27, 2016
• End Date: Jun 29, 2016
• Acceptance Date: Nov 1, 2015
• Publication Date: Mar 4, 2016
• Deposit Date: Dec 12, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 3, 2017
• Journal: Annual Review of Cyber Therapy and Telemedicine (ARCTT)
• Print ISSN: 1554-8716
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Pages: 149-154
• Keywords: virtual, reality, technologies, support, autism, condition, case, study, acceptance, presence, negative, effects
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/913467
• Publisher URL: http://www.arctt.info/volume-14-summer-2016
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Annual Review of Cybertherapy And Telemedicine 2016 Being Different: The Transformative Potential of Virtual Reality
• Contract Date: Jan 3, 2017