FAQs

Our immersive experiences provide a fun and engaging opportunity to practice skills that are difficult to learn and teach in "real life." We are striving to make important services more affordable and accessible for families, clinics, and educational institutions around the world.

• The coaching device and learning VR headset are paired to the Floreo app.
• The Learner wears the headset to experience the immersive lesson.
• The VR lesson’s view is streamed in real-time to the coaching device.
• The coaching device uses a co-pilot mode to direct the lesson and learning experience, providing guidance, instructions, and feedback as needed throughout the experience.
• Green bars indicate the learner’s field of view and prompts with suggested coaching language and tools help guide learning and move the lesson along.

Floreo is a subscription-based product. Please contact us at info@floreovr.com to discuss subscription options for your situation. Subscriptions start at $69.99 per month (software only for one Learner).

In order to use Floreo, you’ll need all of the following items:

• Learner device: iPhone 7 with iOS 15.0 or above and any compatible Google Cardboard VR headset that fits your iPhone OR Meta Quest compatible headset OR a PICO Business compatible headset
• Coach device: compatible iPad with iOS 15.0 or above
• WiFi connection
• If you do not have the needed equipment, please contact us at info@floreovr.com for equipment rental options which can be bundled in with your subscription.

• If you receive a general error:
  • Please close the app on your coaching and learning devices
    
    • For iOS devices with the “home” button double click the round "home" button and swipe up on the app's preview to close the app.
    • For iOS devices without the “home” button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen. Swipe left or right to find the Floreo app and up on the app's preview to close the app. see Close an app on your iOS device
    • For Meta Quest devices press and release the Oculus button. Using one of your hand controllers, select quit.
  • Then, reopen the Floreo app on both your coaching and learning devices, select the same Learner on both, and start the lesson via the iPad again.

If you have a version mismatch:

• Your out-of-date device needs to be updated via the iOS app store (if using personal devices) or by receiving an update from Floreo (if using leased Floreo devices). You can find Floreo in the iOS app store with this direct link.  
• Please contact us at support@floreovr.com if you continue to have trouble pairing after trying the above steps.

At the moment, Floreo is available for mobile VR on iOS, the Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, or Meta Quest Pro headsets and the PICO Business headsets, PICO G3, PICO Neo 3 Enterprise, PICO Neo 3 Pro Enterprise, and the PICO 4E. When using a Meta Quest headset, children under the age of 13 may not register or create accounts through our Services or otherwise provide us with personal information. If you learn that a child has provided us with personal information in violation of this Privacy Policy, you may alert us at privacy@floreovr.com. Sign up to get notified about our progress here: https://www.floreovr.com/newsletter.

At the moment, Floreo is not available on Android phones. However, as we continue to grow, we expect to expand to other operating systems. Sign up to be notified when we launch on Android https://www.floreovr.com/newsletter.

At the moment, Floreo can only be used with an iPad as the Coach’s device. However, the iPad can be simultaneously projected to a TV using an HDMI cable or via AirPlay to an Apple TV to share with a group. As we continue to grow, we plan to expand the types of devices that can be used as a Coach device. Sign up to be notified about our progress: https://floreovr.com/newsletter.

Floreo creates  content based on  evidence-based strategies  essential for building social connections, developing skills for independence, and  improving emotional regulation skills.

• With Floreo, Learners can learn and practice foundational social and communication skills, including: 
  • Joint Attention
  • Imitation
  • Recognizing facial expressions
  • Orienting and attending to communication partners
  • Initiating and responding to greetings
  • Participating in a group conversation
  • Communicating in work situations
  • Decision making 
• Using interactive story experiences, Learners are exposed to a variety of scenarios to build their skills for independence, such as:
  • Responding to police questions
  • Navigating the community by riding the bus and safely crossing streets
  • What to expect when going through airport security
  • Exploring around the grocery store
  • Job skills training like organizational habits for time management and teamwork
• The immersive, calming environments help Learners  explore and gain strategies for emotional regulation. These include: 
  • Guided meditation in an underwater scene
  • Body relaxation in a crystal cave
  • Yoga poses and stretches
  • Relaxation while flying over snowy landscapes
  • Playing a marimba
• We invite you to view the full list of our immersive experiences along with descriptions of each: https://portal.floreovr.com/library/

We take seriously our commitment to developing a research-backed product, we have hired experts in the field of development, education, disability, and neurodiversity to lead the development of our content:

• Director of Therapy Content, Marsha Stepensky, MS.Ed, BCBA. With over 15 years of experience in educational, clinical, and community settings, Marsha specializes in working with adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her expertise includes launching a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic in Washington, DC, establishing sexual health workshops for parents, professionals, and adults with IDD, and collaborating with international organizations to coach parents and professionals in autism and sexual health.
• Clinical Consultant, Dr. Sinan Turnacioglu, MD, is a board-certified neurodevelopmental pediatrician and former director of the Fragile X Clinic at Children’s National Health System in Washington, DC
• Lead Self Advocate, Sam Farmer, autism spectrum community self-advocate and advisor to Floreo
• Clinical Consultant, Joe McCleery, Assistant Professor of Psychology & Executive Director of Academic Programs in the Kinney Center, Saint Joseph’s University

The FDA has not yet evaluated the safety or effectiveness of Floreo’s virtual reality app and content for use as therapy. We intend to pursue the path to clearance in the near future.

We are located in Washington DC, though many of our staff work remotely outside of the DC area.

Floreo is a for-profit technology company based in Washington DC. We are fortunate to be supported by wonderful investors. We have also been generously supported by grants from NIH. If you have further questions or investment interests, feel free to email info@floreovr.com.

Floreo is designed for neurodiverse individuals, as well as their respective support networks (e.g. families, providers, special educators, etc.).

Each person is unique in the way they learn and experience the world. To that end, Floreo is working with schools, researchers, therapy practices, and autism specialists to develop a science-backed and affordable virtual reality tool and content platform that can help neurodiverse individuals develop the real-world skills they need to live independent and productive lives.

No. Floreo is committed to developing experiences for any individual that needs assistance developing their social, behavioral, communication, and life skills. Some of our partners and current customers have already utilized Floreo with individuals with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and many other neurotypes.

No. Floreo is committed to developing experiences that support Learners of all language skills and communication styles. Many of our current customers use Floreo with nonspeaking or minimally verbal Learners.

Floreo is intended for use with individuals ages 5 and above. This guidance is based on current recommendations for Google Cardboard, View-Master, and similar devices, as well as advice from experts in the field.

The Meta Quest headset is recommended for individuals aged 13+.

In addition, consumers must also adhere to manufacturer recommendations for whichever headset they purchase.

Virtual reality is not recommended for people with certain pre-existing conditions such as a history of seizures or photosensitive response on EEG, eye movement impairments such as strabismus, and migraines, or who may be prone to motion sickness.

The vision of young children (especially those under six years old) is still under development. Consult with your child’s doctor or optometrist before allowing young children to watch virtual reality images or play virtual reality games. Adults should supervise young children to ensure they follow the recommendations listed above.

Various VR headset manufacturers have their own health and safety warnings included with the hardware (such as Meta, Samsung, HTC, etc). Users are responsible to read, evaluate and follow these guidelines, warnings, and instructions. Please ensure all users use the headset in accordance with these health and safety warnings. Adults should monitor children closely during and after the use of VR headsets.

Yes! Once you have identified a grant opportunity, we are happy to help with the needed information for your application. Just send us a note at info@floreotech.com.

At Floreo, we are committed to protecting your child’s privacy and providing you with control over their information. Parents and guardians can request access to or removal of information collected about their child in accordance with applicable laws and Floreo’s Privacy Policy. Floreo is also certified by iKeepSafe, an independent organization that ensures compliance with data privacy and security standards, including those related to children’s online safety.

How to Request Access to Information

If you would like to review the information collected about your child:

1. Contact Floreo Support:
   Email us at support@floreovr.com or use https://portal.floreovr.com/organization/support.

2. Verify Your Identity:
   To protect your child’s data, we will ask you to provide information verifying your identity and relationship to the child.

3. Receive Information:
   Once verified, we will provide a summary of the data collected about your child, including usage data and any records associated with their account.

How to Request Removal of Information

If you would like Floreo to delete information collected about your child:

1. Submit a Deletion Request:
   Email us at support@floreovr.com or use our portal support, specifying that you request data deletion.

2. Verify Your Identity:
   As part of the process, we will confirm your identity and relationship to the child to ensure the security of their data.

3. Understand the Impact of Deletion:
   Deleting your child’s information may limit or prevent access to Floreo’s services, as the platform relies on certain data to deliver personalized experiences. We will inform you of any service implications before proceeding.

4. Confirmation of Deletion:
   Once processed, we will confirm that your child’s information has been deleted from our systems, except where retention is required by law (e.g., compliance with legal obligations).

Additional Information

We encourage you to review our Privacy Policy  for more details on how we handle your child’s information. If you have any questions or concerns about data access or removal, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@floreovr.com.

Floreo prioritizes transparency, compliance, and your family’s privacy every step of the way.

Yes, you may be able to use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to purchase Floreo, depending on your plan and documentation requirements. Additionally, Floreo may qualify as an education-related expense if it is used as part of a program to help a child overcome a learning disability or developmental difference, in accordance with IRS guidelines for medical expenses.

Using HSA or FSA Funds

Floreo qualifies as a medical expense under IRS guidelines when it is recommended as part of a treatment plan to address conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental and neurological conditions.

1. Confirm Eligibility with Your Plan Administrator:

   1. Contact your HSA or FSA provider to confirm that Floreo qualifies as a reimbursable expense.

2. Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (if required):

   1. Some plans require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your child’s healthcare or education provider. This letter should explain how Floreo helps overcome your child’s specific challenges, such as improving communication, social skills, or other educational goals.

3. Keep Documentation:

   1. Save your receipts and any supporting documentation, such as the LMN or a copy of your child’s IEP or educational intervention plan, to submit with your reimbursement request.

Education-Related Reimbursement

Under IRS guidelines, education-related expenses may be reimbursed if they are primarily for overcoming a learning disability caused by a medical condition. Floreo qualifies when it is used as part of an educational program designed to improve specific skills and is recommended by a qualified professional.

Examples of reimbursable educational uses include:

• Coaching or lessons that teach social, communication, and behavioral skills to help a child with a developmental difference succeed in educational settings.
• Education or therapeutic interventions delivered by a licensed professional to address specific IEP or 504 Plan goals.

To explore this option:

1. Discuss with Your Child’s Educators or Therapists:
   1. Ensure Floreo is integrated into their educational or therapeutic plan and tied to measurable outcomes.
2. Submit Documentation:
   1. Provide evidence, such as an IEP or a professional recommendation, to your HSA/FSA provider explaining how Floreo helps achieve your child’s educational goals.

Additional Information

Floreo also aligns with reimbursement criteria for assistive technology and therapeutic tools in both medical and educational contexts. If you need assistance navigating the reimbursement process, we can provide resources like sample Letters of Medical Necessity or advocacy templates.

For further questions, feel free to contact us at support@floreovr.com.

Note: Approval is subject to your specific HSA/FSA plan or educational program policies and requirements.