The application of a sensory integration treatment based on virtual reality-tangible interaction for children with autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

Children with autistic spectrum disorders have difficulties integrating motor and sensory experiences. It is important to address therapeutic interventions for these children. However, there are some limitations of the sensory integration therapy and the application of virtual reality for autistic children. SIT based on VR-TIS (VR-SIT) has three components: measurement of coordination ability, social skills training, sensory integration therapy. These components all originated from sensory integration therapy. A total of 12 autistic children and 20 healthy controls, all aged between five and six years, participated in this study. There are significant differences in autistic children and healthy controls for coordination ability measurement and social skill training. We found that it is possible to apply our system to the assessment of, and the therapy for, autistic children.