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Unlocking potential: How extended reality transforms motor skill development in children with autism

Posted: 04-09-2024

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    Mark Power, PhD student in the extended reality team at Walton Institute, co-authored a systematic literature review of extended reality (XR) interventions to improve motor skills development among children with autism.

    Mark Power
    Mark Power, PhD student

    This literature review delves into the potential of extended reality (XR) technologies, such as virtual reality (VR)and augmented reality (AR), to enhance motor skill development in autistic children. Analysing studies in this area from 2012 to 2024, the review reveals promising results, highlighting XR’s significant potential to revolutionise interventions in this field.

    Outline the paper

    Imagine a world where kids with autism can discover new ways to improve their skills through virtual and augmented reality. Step into a world where technology becomes a bridge to help autistic children enhance their motor skills, balance, movement, and hand-eye coordination. It’s a captivating journey where innovation meets compassion to create brighter possibilities for every child. This study looks at how effective these high-tech tools might be. We reviewed studies from the past 12 years that tested these technologies with autistic children. The results suggest that these VR and AR tools can make a difference, helping these children move better and be more active. However, the studies varied a lot, so there’s still much to learn about how to use these technologies best. The research shows great promise and points to exciting possibilities for future development and improvement in helping autistic children develop their motor skills.

    Who will it help?

    The real-world implications of this research are significant, especially for families and educators of autistic children. By exploring XR technologies like VR and AR, this study highlights new, innovative ways to support motor skill development in autistic children. For parents, this means there could soon be more accessible and engaging therapeutic options used at home, reducing the need for constant clinical visits. Educators might also find these technologies helpful in creating more inclusive and interactive learning environments, making it easier to involve autistic children in physical activities. Overall, this research suggests that XR could help bridge the gap between traditional therapies and the growing need for practical, personalized interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for autistic children and their families. This, in turn, could lead to more effective and accessible therapies, offering hope for more personalized and impactful support for autistic children.

    What is the future of this research?

    The next steps for this research involve addressing the limitations identified and expanding the scope of XR interventions for motor skills development in autistic children. Future studies should aim to increase geographical diversity by including participants from various cultural backgrounds to ensure that the interventions are globally applicable. Researchers are also encouraged to explore the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) over Virtual Reality (VR) due to its ability to overlay digital content onto real-world environments, which may provide more contextually relevant interventions. Additionally, implementing these interventions in authentic environments, such as classrooms or homes, will help assess their applicability and effectiveness. It’s also essential to focus on gender-balanced interventions and to adopt future-proofed devices that can evolve with technological advancements. Leveraging advanced data processing techniques, like machine learning, could further personalize and optimize these interventions, enhancing their overall efficacy. Finally, open-source platforms could democratize access to these technologies, fostering collaboration and innovation in this promising field.

    The research on XR interventions for motor skill development in autistic children holds significant industry applications now and in the future. Educational technology companies could integrate VR and AR into therapeutic tools, offering children personalized and engaging motor skill training. Special education providers might adopt these technologies to enhance their intervention programs, making sessions more interactive and motivating. Future advancements could lead to the widespread use of XR in clinical settings and home-based therapies, providing scalable solutions for families and practitioners. Moreover, as technology evolves, these tools could be adapted to various real-world environments, such as classrooms or community centres, broadening their impact. The potential for integrating advanced data analytics could also improve the customization and effectiveness of these interventions, shaping a new frontier in autism therapy and education.

    Publication Title: A systematic literature review of XR interventions to improve motor skills development among children with autism

    Authors: Mark Power, Sara Kennedy, Frances Cleary, Ian Mills, Sharon Kinsella, Alberto Huertas Celdrán

    Partners: Walton Institute, SETU, School of Health Science, SETU, Department of Health and Sport Sciences, SETU, Communication Systems Group, University of Zurich,

    Publication Date: 5th August 2024

    Name of Journal: IEEE Access https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3438361