Researchers from the University of Vermont have analyzed scientific publications investigating the efficacy of virtual reality in children with  autism for enhancements in learning and social communications. The results of the research by Dana I. Allison and Dr. Patricia A. Prelock were presented at the recent convening of the American Academy of Neurology showed promising results.  Among the 5 publications they analyzed, the results showed significant positive benefits of virtual reality on conversational spontaneity, social appraisal, emotional recognition, anxiety and fear reduction, and social-skill acquisition. These findings provide multiple lines of evidence for measurable benefits of virtual reality in children affected by autism as assessed by sensitive indicators of behavioral development.   

Reference: Allison D, Prelock P. A survey of virtual reality interventions for autistic spectrum disorder therapy: a neuroscience perspective. Abstract presented at: 2023 AAN Annual Meeting; April 22-27, 2023; Boston, MA. Abstract P1.006.