About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

People With Autism Can Now Watch Social Interaction Programs Via Virtual Reality

by Vishnuprasad on April 21, 2015 at 2:48 PM
Font : A-A+

People With Autism Can Now Watch Social Interaction Programs Via Virtual Reality

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has been steadily rising. About 1% of the world population has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Neuroscience researchers at Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization in the United States, are experimenting with virtual reality headsets, which have been shown to help people with social attention problems. Users strap on the headsets and can witness a number of social interactions, such as a job interview, as well as body language, gaining exposure to new situations to further their communication skills.

Advertisement

"Virtual reality and avatar-based programs may be especially promising for people with autism who are uncomfortable in social interactions where subtle social cues are important," said Daniel Smith, senior director at Autism Speaks.

In trials, researchers used four adults between ages 18 and 35. They used brain imaging and brain-wave monitoring while users were engaged in a VR session. The results showed that participants' brain regions associated with social understanding lit up in ways they hadn't before.
Advertisement

"Our early results are beginning to reveal a remarkable degree of malleability in the neural systems involved in social cognition in adults with ASD," said Dr. Daniel Yang, an Autism Speaks Meixner postdoctoral fellow.

The future looks bright for the growing body of VR research.

"The real progress that virtual reality will enable lies in the hands of the researchers, clinicians, educators and the motivated members of the autism community including parents, siblings and friends of individuals with autism," said Fred Shic, assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine's Child Study Center and director of the Yale Autism Program.



Source: Medindia
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Mental Health News

Can the Heat Scorch Your Mental Health?
Hospitals have reported an increase in mental illnesses with the scorching temperatures this summer.
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Unseen Battle of Adolescent Depression in Canada
Undetected and untreated adolescent depression in Canada calls for improved care.
From Storm to Serenity: How to Transform Workplace Conflicts into Opportunities?
Within every workplace, conflicts are inevitable occurrences that can stem from diverse reasons and requires better measures to be settled.
The Unseen Effects of Childhood Physical Abuse: Psychologically Flourishing in Adulthood
People who have experienced physical abuse in their childhood move on to achieve increased levels of life satisfaction and psychological well-being.
Link Between Early Bipolar Diagnosis and Lower Suicide Rates Identified
The link between an increased number of population-adjusted bipolar diagnoses and reduced suicide rates among boys identified.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

People With Autism Can Now Watch Social Interaction Programs Via Virtual Reality Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests