Floreo’s clinical team of leading researchers and practitioners work hand-in-hand with its content developers to create evidence-based learning experiences that are designed for the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals.
In addition to the research that drives our lessons and product offerings, Floreo is actively running several research studies with world-renowned institutions, including a study in collaboration with the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and National Institutes of Health.
We’ve contributed to and been featured in leading research on technology-driven therapy for neurodiverse individuals.
Shapiro, K., Ravindran, V., Downing, G., Stepensky, M. R., Mak-Parisi, S., Solorzano, R., Barbayannis, G., & Turnacioglu, S. (2025). Children with autism using the Floreo virtual reality Building Social Connections Module: A feasibility study. Autism-Open Access, 15(436). https://doi.org/10.35248/2165-7890.25.15.436
This randomized feasibility study used Floreo’s VR Building Social Connections module. Findings indicated that Floreo was safe and practical to use alongside ABA for autistic children. The Floreo group showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in the communication subscale on the Autism Impact Measure compared with a VR control.
Wang, X., Young, G. W., Plechatá, A., McGuckin, C., & Makransky, G. (2023). Utilizing virtual reality to assist social competence education and social support for children from under-represented backgrounds. Computers & Education, 201, 104815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104815
VR social competence education using FloreoVR and Lego social competence training was studied in two rural-school settings. Both strategies improved elementary students’ social competence and perceived social support. VR outperformed traditional teaching for middle school students. The results suggest VR-assisted social competence education can help reduce rural educational inequality, with Lego social competence training as a scalable alternative.
Gayle, R. I., Valentino, A. L., & Fuhrman, A. M. (2024). Virtual Reality Training of Safety and Social Communication Skills in Children with Autism: An Examination of Acceptability, Usability, and Generalization. Behavior analysis in practice, 18(1), 179–195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00968-4
A VR + prompting + reinforcement package taught three young children with ASD specific safety and social-communication skills. Results indicated high acceptability and positive affect. Learned skills were maintained and generalized where evaluated, and parents/clinicians rated the approach favorably.
The Use of Virtual Reality to Increase Engagement in Yoga
Schram, J., & Kettering, T. L. (2023, May). The use of virtual reality to increase engagement in yoga [Poster presentation]. Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Denver, CO.
This study first assessed VR headset tolerance among 109 participants across a wide age range, from elementary school age through adulthood. Over 80% of the participants tolerated the VR headset without any formal desensitization. In a separate comparison with four participants, engagement during Floreo yoga was consistently higher when delivered in VR than when the same activity was presented on a television screen.
Norman, L., Jiao, M., Parra, J., Gligorovic, S., Saulsbury, M., Sudre, G., Bouyssi-Kobar, M., Choudhury, S., Jean, J., Sharp, W., Persky, S., & Shaw, P. (2025, July 22). An open-label pilot study of a virtual reality-based adaptive cognitive training program for inattention in youth with ADHD [Preprint]. PsyArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/fb6a3_v2
An adaptive VR cognitive training program for youth with ADHD was feasible, well-tolerated, and associated with significant reductions in clinician-rated symptoms, particularly inattention. Participants also showed objective improvements in impulse control and processing speed, warranting randomized controlled trials.
Virtual Reality Intervention to Empower Autistic People to Interact With Police: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial for Autistic Teens and Adults
McCleery, J. P., Zitter, A., Cordero, L., Russell, A., Cola, M., Udhnani, M., Tena, K., Yates Flanagan, A., Turnacioglu, S., Solorzano, R., Miller, J., Ravindran, V., & Parish-Morris, J. (2026). Virtual reality intervention to empower autistic people to interact with police: A randomized controlled clinical trial for autistic teens and adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07339-8
Forty-seven participants, ages 12–60, completed three 45-minute sessions of either FloreoVR or a video modeling program in this randomized controlled clinical trial. The findings suggest that practice can help autistic people feel and act more prepared when interacting with police officers, with VR potentially offering particular benefits for learning these skills. (This study was funded through a grant from the NIH and was in partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Autism Research).
Yates Flanagan, A., Peele, H., Obus, E., Dicette, K., Hill, T. L., Yu, N., Hicks, G., Pelella, M. R., King-Pointer, A., Owens, J., Truong, D. M., Hauptmann, A., Cola, M., Weaver, N., Pacheco, J., Russell, A., Lee, A., Schillinger, S., Covello, M., Lyons, M., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Ravindran, V., McCleery, J. P., Miller, J. S., & Parish-Morris, J. (2025). A critical exploration of police officers’ interactions with Black autistic youth and the guidance Black caregivers hope police officers will follow. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-06994-7
This qualitative study examined how Black caregivers perceive and experience interactions between their autistic children and law enforcement, using survey data from 43 caregivers. It found that caregivers prefer police to use a calm, empathetic, and non-threatening approach with clear communication, while actual interactions ranged from negative to community-centered. These interactions often occurred at school, near home, or on the road. Overall, the study highlights the need for culturally responsive, autism-informed police training to improve safety and outcomes for Black autistic youth.
Policing Black Autistic Children: A Qualitative Approach To Understanding Black Caregivers’ Concerns
Yates Flanagan, A., Cola, M., Yu, N., Peele, H., Dicette, K., Hicks, G., Pelella, M. R., King-Pointer, A., Owens, J., Truong, D. M., Hauptmann, A., Pacheco, J., Russell, A., Lee, A., Schillinger, S., Covello, M., Lyons, M., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., . . . Parish-Morris, J. (2025). Policing Black autistic children: A qualitative approach to understanding Black caregivers’ concerns. Autism, 29(5), 1303–1317. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241303549
This qualitative study examined Black caregivers’ concerns about police interactions with their autistic children. Caregivers worried that inadequate autism training and racial bias could cause officers to misinterpret autistic behaviors, placing their children in extremely risky circumstances. The findings call for empathetic, culturally responsive, and neuro-affirming policing practices informed by Black caregivers’ experiences.
Comparison of AI-enhanced educational games for students with disabilities
Taneska, M., & Madevska Bogdanova, A. (2023). Comparison of AI-enhanced educational games for students with disabilities. Science. Business. Society, 8(2), 65–67.
Floreo is among five AI-enhanced educational games compared in this study, finding that all the games were designed to empower students with disabilities by prioritizing accessibility and engagement while addressing targeted objectives.
AI, Virtual Reality, and Robots Advancing Autism Diagnosis and Therapy
Mertz, L. (2021). AI, virtual reality, and robots advancing autism diagnosis and therapy. IEEE Pulse, 12(5), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.1109/MPULS.2021.3113092
This article reviewed three technologies that may support the diagnosis and treatment of autism. It highlights Floreo's virtual reality learning experiences, which are designed specifically for neurodiverse learners.
Safety and Feasibility of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention Program for Teaching Police Interaction Skills to Adolescents and Adults with Autism
McCleery, J. P., Zitter, A., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., & Parish-Morris, J. (2020). Safety and feasibility of an immersive virtual reality intervention program for teaching police interaction skills to adolescents and adults with autism. Autism Research, 13(8), 1418–1424. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2352
This study evaluated the safety, feasibility, and usability of Floreo's Police Safety Module, a virtual reality (VR) training program designed to help adolescents and adults with autism practice interactions with law enforcement. Across 60 participants, results showed no serious adverse effects, high completion rates (97–100%), and strong usability scores, with most participants reporting they would use the system again. Mild side effects decreased over repeated sessions.
Experiences with Virtual Reality-Based Training for Joint Attention: a Usability and Initial Feasibility Pilot of Floreo VR’s Joint Attention Module in a Special Education School Setting
Ravindran, V., Osgood, M., Sazawal, V., Solorzano, R., & Turnacioglu, S. (2019). Virtual reality support for joint attention using the Floreo Joint Attention Module: Usability and feasibility pilot study. JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, 2(2), e14429. https://doi.org/10.2196/14429
This pilot study examined the feasibility and safety of using Floreo’s VR Joint Attention Module for autistic students between the ages of 9-16. Results showed the VR system was well tolerated, highly engaging, and associated with minimal side effects. Most participants demonstrated improvements in joint attention skills such as eye contact and social interaction. Overall, the findings suggest VR is a promising tool for supporting social communication development in children with ASD, though larger controlled studies are needed.
The State of Virtual and Augmented Reality Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Turnacioglu, S., Sazawal, V., Solórzano, R., Parish-Morris, J., Zitter, A., Miller, J., McCleery, J., & Ravindran, V. (2019). The state of virtual and augmented reality therapy for autism spectrum disorder. In G. Guazzaroni (Ed.), Virtual and augmented reality in mental health treatment (pp. 118–140). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-7168-1.ch008
This chapter reviews the current state of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) therapies for autism, highlighting their potential to support social communication, daily living skills, and engagement through controlled, customizable environments. The chapter reviews research, though it is still in its early stages. Overall, VR/AR interventions are emerging as scalable, cost-effective tools, but more large-scale, controlled research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and long-term safety.
Immersive Virtual Reality to Improve Police Interaction Skills in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Parish-Morris, J., Solórzano, R., Ravindran, V., Sazawal, V., Turnacioglu, S., Zitter, A., Miller, J., & McCleery, J. (2018). Immersive virtual reality to improve police interaction skills in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder: Preliminary results of a feasibility and safety trial. Proceedings of the 23rd Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, Gatineau, Canada.
This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and usability of a virtual reality (VR) Police Safety Module designed to help adolescents and adults with autism practice interactions with law enforcement. Results showed that all participants completed the VR session, no serious side effects occurred, and the system was highly usable across a range of abilities. Overall, the findings suggest VR is a safe and promising tool for teaching critical real-world safety skills to individuals with ASD, with future research needed to test its effectiveness in real interactions.
9th Annual Women in Behavior Analysis (WIBA) Conference 2026
Garcia, D., Kamit, S., Mak-Parisi, S., Ravindran, V., Stepensky, M., & Pascual, L. (2026, July 15–17). Participant enjoyment and clinician satisfaction with VR-based adjunctive therapy [Poster presentation]. 9th Annual Women in Behavior Analysis (WIBA) Conference, Chicago, IL, United States.
97th Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting 2026
Barbayannis, G., Shapiro, K., Ravindran, V., Downing, G., Mak-Parisi, S., Solorzano, R., & Turnacioglu, S. (2026, April). Virtual bonds, real connections: Floreo’s immersive virtual reality helps build social skills in children with autism [Poster presentation]. 97th Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, Boston, MA.
2026 Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) Conference
Goh, S., Hascall, M., Ravindran, V., Mak-Parisi, S., & Pascual, L. (2026, April). From competency to innovation: How VR is shaping the future of ABA practice. [Poster presentation]. 2026 Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
The 44th Annual Western Regional Conference on Behavior Analysis (CalABA) 2026
Hascall, M., Mak-Parisi, S., & Pascual, L. (2026, March). From competency to innovation: A conceptual framework for integrating virtual reality into ABA practice. [Oral presentation]. CalABA 2026, Sacramento, CA.
51st Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International 2025
Partridge, S. M., Jaume, J., Lepore, J., & Wilson, D. M. (2025, May 24–26). Teaching imitation & echoics to an autistic teenager via virtual reality [Poster presentation]. 51st Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Washington, DC, United States
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Convention 2025
Solórzano, R., & McCleery, J. (2025, November). Current and future directions for the use of virtual reality in speech/language therapy. [Oral presentation]. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention, Washington, DC.
Closing the Gap Annual Conference 2025
Solórzano, R. (2025, October). Virtual reality lessons to support special education students in the clinic or in school. [1-hour Oral presentation]. Closing the Gap Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
2025 Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association Spring Symposium
Solórzano, R. (2025, April). The use of virtual reality as a speech/language therapy tool. [1-hour Oral presentation]. 2025 Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association Spring Symposium, Baltimore, MD.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Convention 2024
Solórzano, R., & McCleery, J. (2024, December). Utilizing interactive virtual reality to analyze and improve conversation skills in autistic teens and adults. [Oral presentation]. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention, Seattle, WA.
International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting 2023
Hauptmann, A., Russell, A. S., Leuzzi, M., Truong, D. M., Pacheco, J., Knox, A., Pelella, M. R., Covello, M., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., McCleery, J., & Parish-Morris, J. (2023, May 4). Autistic women, nonbinary, and transgender autistic stakeholders’ perceptions of the intersection between autism and policing [Poster presentation]. International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting, Stockholm, Sweden.
Association for Behavior Analysis International Convention 2023
Clay, C. (2023, May). Incorporating virtual reality into behavior analysis: Innovation and interdisciplinary opportunity. [Oral presentation] Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Conference, Denver, CO.
Association for Behavior Analysis International Convention 2023
Mahony, M., Stepensky, M., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., McCleery, J. (May 2023). Framework for the Evaluation of the Applied Behavior Analysis Compliance of Technology-Based Intervention Supports. Poster presented at the 2023 Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Conference, Denver, CO.
Association for Behavior Analysis International Convention 2023
Kariel, K., Ingvarsson, E. T., Smith, D., Metras, R., Beahm, L. A. (May 2023). Examining the Effects of Virtual Reality Instruction on the Acquisition and Generalization of Peer Social Skills. Poster presentation at the 2023 Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Conference, Denver, CO.
International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting 2023
Russell, A. S., Hauptmann, A., Zitter, A., Leuzzi, M., Pacheco, J., Tena, K. G., Reckner, E. L., Knox, A., Pelella, M. R., Covello, M., Elmountassir, H., Sacks, B., Trifan, J., Perez, F., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., McCleery, J. P., & Parish-Morris, J. (2023, May 3–6). Virtual reality police safety teletherapy intervention: Results of a randomized controlled trial [Poster presentation]. International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting, Stockholm, Sweden.
California Association for Behavior Analysis 41st Annual Western Regional Conference on Behavior Analysis 2023
Gayle, R. I. (2023, March 9–11). Leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes [Panel discussion]. California Association for Behavior Analysis 41st Annual Western Regional Conference on Behavior Analysis, Long Beach, CA, United States.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies 56th Annual Convention 2022
Pacheco, J. A., Russell, A. S., Turnacioglu, S., Ravindran, V., Miller, J. S., Parish-Morris, J., & McCleery, J. P. (2022, November 20). Engaging stakeholders to improve a virtual reality cognitive-behavioral police safety intervention for autistic people of color living in urban areas [Poster presentation]. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies 56th Annual Convention, New York, NY, United States.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies 56th Annual Convention 2022
Cola, M., Russell, A. S., Zitter, A., Knox, A., Hauptmann, A., Leuzzi, M., Pacheco, J. A., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Ravindran, V., Miller, J. S., McCleery, J. P., & Parish-Morris, J. (2022, November 20). Virtual reality intervention improves autistic participants’ eye contact during police interactions [Poster presentation]. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies 56th Annual Convention, New York, NY, United States.
38th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association for Behavior Analysis 2022
Ingvarsson, E. T. (2022, October 20–22). The intersection of virtual reality and ABA: Examples of skill-acquisition programs for individuals with ASD [Conference presentation]. 38th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association for Behavior Analysis, Columbia, SC, United States.
43rd Annual Conference of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy 2022
Ingvarsson, E. T. (2022, October 12–14). The intersection of virtual reality and ABA: Examples of skill-acquisition programs for individuals with ASD [Conference presentation]. 43rd Annual Conference of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA, United States.
International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting 2022
Leuzzi, M., Russell, A. S., Zitter, A., Pacheco, J. A., Tena, K. G., Pelella, M. R., Knox, A., Cola, M. L., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., Parish-Morris, J., & McCleery, J. P. (2022, May 14). Parent perceptions of autism and policing: Similarities and differences by race [Poster presentation]. International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, United States.
International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting 2022
Russell, A. S., Zitter, A., Leuzzi, M., Pacheco, J. A., Tena, K. G., Knox, A., Pelella, M. R., Cola, M. L., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., McCleery, J. P., & Parish-Morris, J. (2022, May 11–14). Feasibility of implementing a virtual reality police safety intervention via teletherapy [Poster presentation]. International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, United States.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Annual Convention 2021
Cola, M., Russell, A., Zitter, A., Tena, K. G., Udhnani, M., Cordero, L., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Ravindran, V., Miller, J. S., McCleery, J., & Parish-Morris, J. (November 2021). Combining A Virtual Reality Intervention With CBT Strategies To Improve Police Interaction Skills In Autistic Individuals. Poster presentation at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Annual Meeting.
American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference 2021
Leuzzi, M., Pacheco, J.A., Russell, A., Zitter, A., Cordero, L., Tena, K.G., Cola, M., Udhnani, M., Solorzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J.S., Ravindran, V., McCleery, J., & Parish-Morris, J. Engaging Diverse Stakeholders to Inform Virtual Reality-Based Autism Training. Virtual Poster Presentation at the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference 2021
Russell, A., Zitter, A., Cordero, L., Tena, K.G., Cola, M., Udhnani, M., Solorzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J.S., Ravindran, V., McCleery, J., & Parish-Morris, J. The Floreo Police Safety Module: Results of a Randomized Control Trial. Virtual Poster Presentation at the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting 2021
Russell, A., Zitter, A., Cordero, L., Tena, K. G., Cola, M., Udhnani, M., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., McCleery, J., & Parish-Morris, J. (2021, May). The Floreo Police Safety Module: Results of a Randomized Control Trial. Poster presentation at the International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting (virtual conference).
International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting 2020
Zitter, A., Cola, M. L., Cordero, L., Udhnani, M., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., McCleery, J., & Parish-Morris, J. (2020, May). Virtual Reality and Video Modeling Interventions Improve Self-Reported Knowledge/Comfort during Police Interactions for Autistic Adolescents and Adults. Poster Presentation at the International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting (virtual conference).
24th Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference 2019
Zitter, A., Parish-Morris (2019, June). Prior Tech Experience and Motivation to Engage in Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention: A Study of Verbally Fluent Adolescents and Adults with Autism. 24th Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference (CYPSY24), Norfolk,VA.
International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting 2019
Zitter, A. N., Solórzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Miller, J. S., Ravindran, V., Parish-Morris, J., & McCleery, J. (2019, May). Feasibility and Safety of Immersive Virtual Reality as a Tool to Improve Police Safety in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Oral Presentation at the International Society for Autism Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.
23rd Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, 2018
Parish-Morris, J., Solórzano, R., Ravindran, V., Sazawal, V., Turnacioglu, S., Zitter, A., Miller, J. & McCleery, J. (2018, June). Immersive Virtual Reality to Improve Police Interaction Skills in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Preliminary Results of a Feasibility and Safety Trial. Oral presentation at the 23rd Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, Gatineau, Canada.
Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies 2018
Zitter, A., Parish-Morris, J., Solorzano, R., Turnacioglu, S., Ravindran, V., Sazawal, V., & McCleery, J. (2018, November). Using Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies to Motivate Individuals with Autism to Participate in an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention. Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Washington, D.C.
NODE Health Society for Digital Medicine Conference 2017
Ravindran, V., Sazawal, V., Solorzano, R., & Turnacioglu, S. (2017, December). Floreo: VR Based Module for Joint Attention. Oral presentation at the NODE Health Society for Digital Medicine Conference, New York, N.Y. Awarded Top Evidence Based Pilot.
Floreo in collaboration with Cortica
Principal Investigator: Suzanne Goh, MD
A Randomized Controlled Study to Evaluate Social Skill Treatment Options in Children with Autism Using VR Technology. This study was completed in November 2025 and results were submitted to the FDA in March 2026. The manuscript is in preparation.
Phase II of an NIMH Small Business Technology Transfer Program-funded collaboration with the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“Immersive Virtual Reality as a Tool to Improve Police Safety in Adolescents and Adults with ASD” The goal of this project is to test the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality intervention to improve police safety skills in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder in a the lab, and via remote delivery.
Boston Children’s Hospital Orthopedic Center study
Principal Investigators: Collin May, MD and Steven Criss, MD
Started in 2024, this study is investigating whether providing a virtual reality experience for autistic patients prior to their orthopedic clinical visits is feasible and if there is evidence that this intervention may reduce autistic patient anxiety and discomfort. A second aim is to determine if it is feasible to use virtual reality emotional regulation lessons developed specifically for autistic children prior to clinical visits in the orthopedic setting. A third aim is to determine if there is any evidence that higher pre-encounter emotional dysregulation is correlated with the amount of reduction in anxiety from pre- to post-encounter.
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