A Study on the Use of Virtual Reality in Teaching Independent Living Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Saime Arslan - Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies, Fırat University, Türkiye [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0404-716X]

Abstract

The aim of this section is to examine the research on virtual reality (VR) technology used in teaching independent living skills to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recently, an increasing number of studies have been trying to find the best way to teach independent living skills to individuals with ASD and use technology-assisted intervention methods, which is one of the effective evidence-based practices. As one of these technologies, VR can facilitate the learning of individuals with ASD due to its features such as a high degree of interaction and immersion, controlling confusing stimuli from the environment and allowing students to learn while playing. In the examination, it is seen that individuals with ASD are taught mostly driving skills, fire and hurricane protection skills, and job interview skills through VR. For this reason, it is thought that there is a need to investigate how, in which contexts and with what kind of support VR technologies will be effective and productive in teaching independent living skills to individuals with ASD.

Keywords: Virtual Reality; Independent Living Skills; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Technology-Assisted Intervention; Immersive Learning.

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Cite as: Arslan, S. (2023). A Study on the Use of Virtual Reality in Teaching Independent Living Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In C. Sousa, & A.H. Tkaczyk (Eds.), Media Literacy and Assistive Technologies for Empowerment in Autism (pp. 137-146). Edições Universitárias Lusófonas. https://www.doi.org/10.24140/asdigital.v1.p02.08