Examining Virtual Reality Interventions for Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Examining Virtual Reality Interventions for Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.
Authors: Altın, Yücel (AUTHOR), Boşnak, Özge (AUTHOR), Turhan, Ceyda (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders. Jun2026, Vol. 56 Issue 6, p2162-2185. 24p.
Subjects: Treatment of autism, Emotion regulation, Grey literature, Eye movement measurements, Electroencephalography, Sex distribution, Age distribution, Descriptive statistics, Exposure therapy, Systematic reviews, MEDLINE, Nonverbal communication, Digital video, Asperger's syndrome, Virtual reality therapy, Online information services, Interpersonal relations, Data analysis software, Social skills education, User interfaces, Motion capture (Human mechanics), Children
Abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by limitations in social communication and interaction, self-repetitive behaviors, and the presence of limited interests. The prevalence of ASD, which typically emerges in the first years of life, is increasing at an alarming rate due to multiple factors, including the broadening of diagnostic criteria, heightened public awareness, and more frequent diagnoses among women and adults. Over the years, experts have invested considerable time and effort in developing educational scenarios for children with ASD. However, they have faced challenges replicating certain scenarios—such as emergencies, crowded public transportation, or restaurant environments—because recreating these exact conditions in real-world settings is difficult or cost-prohibitive. This has consequently compelled experts to seek out supplementary intervention methods that are more suitable and accessible. Virtual reality (VR), which has the capacity to integrate the physical and virtual realms, represents one such alternative intervention method. In this study, a systematic review of studies employing VR technology in social skills interventions for individuals with ASD was conducted, and 31 studies were included. The findings indicate the potential benefits of VR applications focusing on the social skills of individuals with ASD. Additionally, this research elucidates the limitations of the studies and offers suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Description
Abstract:Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by limitations in social communication and interaction, self-repetitive behaviors, and the presence of limited interests. The prevalence of ASD, which typically emerges in the first years of life, is increasing at an alarming rate due to multiple factors, including the broadening of diagnostic criteria, heightened public awareness, and more frequent diagnoses among women and adults. Over the years, experts have invested considerable time and effort in developing educational scenarios for children with ASD. However, they have faced challenges replicating certain scenarios—such as emergencies, crowded public transportation, or restaurant environments—because recreating these exact conditions in real-world settings is difficult or cost-prohibitive. This has consequently compelled experts to seek out supplementary intervention methods that are more suitable and accessible. Virtual reality (VR), which has the capacity to integrate the physical and virtual realms, represents one such alternative intervention method. In this study, a systematic review of studies employing VR technology in social skills interventions for individuals with ASD was conducted, and 31 studies were included. The findings indicate the potential benefits of VR applications focusing on the social skills of individuals with ASD. Additionally, this research elucidates the limitations of the studies and offers suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:01623257
DOI:10.1007/s10803-025-06741-y