A Process-Model for Minimizing Adverse Effects when Using Head Mounted Display-Based Virtual Reality for Individuals with Autism

Abstract

Interest in the use of virtual reality technologies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders has been increasing for over two decades. Recently, research interest has been growing in the area of head mounted display-based virtual reality technologies, thanks to increased availability and affordability. Affordances and theorized benefits of headset-based virtual reality for individuals with autism spectrum disorders are quite promising. However, very little attention has been given in the literature to implementation safety and ethics. This is a particular concern in light of documented adverse effects associated with headset-based virtual reality. To approach this gap, this article details how the authors approached the issue of minimizing adverse effects with related and overlapping methods, but from two separate, independent research sites—one in the United States and one in the United Kingdom. A structured within- and across-case analysis of the two independent studies was conducted to identify central implementation processes and procedures. Analysis resulted in development of a model for minimizing potential adverse effects of headset-based virtual reality for this population. We assert that our model could provide clarity in terms of design and implementation of headset-based virtual reality for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, guide implementations of future researchers and practitioners, and contribute to minimizing and controlling for potential adverse effects.

Focusing on cybersickness: pervasiveness, latent trajectories, susceptibility, and effects on the virtual reality experience

“…Thus, research directed toward finding technological solutions to the problem of cybersickness are especially important (Stanney et al 2020 ). In this line, there is a need to assess and consider potential adverse effects of VR with HMDs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing disorders (Newbutt et al 2016 ; Schmidt et al 2021 ). Although the emerging literature of VR interventions for these populations has shown promising results (Bradley and Newbutt 2018 ; Glaser and Schmidt 2021 ; Newbutt et al 2016 ), there is a lack of understanding regarding how these interfaces and environments might lead to cybersickness when experienced in HMDs by these individuals (Schmidt et al 2021 ).…”

Exploratory study on the use of HMD virtual reality to investigate individual differences in visual processing styles

“…Social skills training has been performed with both autistic children (De Luca et al. , 2021; Matsentidou and Poullis, 2014) and adults (Schmidt et al ., 2021a, b; Schmidt and Glaser, 2021a, b; Kandalaft et al. , 2013; Bellani et al ., 2011; Pandey and Vaughn, 2021).…”

“…Anxiety and phobia VR therapy in autism has proven to be successful and is now available via the UK National Health Service (Maskey et al ., 2014). Moreover, recent work on implementation and ethics offers insights into how any adverse effects of head-mounted-display-based VR can be minimised (Schmidt et al ., 2021a, b; Schmidt and Glaser, 2021a, b; Schmidt and Newbutt, 2021).…”

Not perfect but good enough: a primer for creating spherical video-based virtual reality for autistic users

“…The research team of this project cited the low cost, ease of development, videographic fidelity, and lesser health and safety concerns (e.g. cybersickness; Schmidt et al. , 2021) as justification for the use of this technology (Schmidt et al.…”