TEAttention!: A pilot study of occupational therapy and virtual reality for improving school participation in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT One of the environments that child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) find particularly challenging is school, which has an impact on their involvement. Virtual reality (VR) could provide appropriate repetitive or difficulty-controlled experiences relevant for children with ASD, where the environment’s constancy can be crucial to facilitating their adaptation and participation. This study aimed to explore whether an intervention called “TEAttention!” using a combination of a VR system and sensory processing strategies could be beneficial for improving participation in children with ASD in the school environment. The study used a pre- and post-intervention methodology. The participants were five students with ASD enrolled in a primary school. The Sensory Profile-2, unstructured observations and the System of Usability Scales were used. The TEAttention! program showed good usability for occupational therapists and teachers, and the children exhibited increased participation at school, improving their play, communication, and social relationships. VR could be a motivating and supportive component of therapies for children with ASD that could enhance their focus and comprehension of the sensory environment.