ABSTRACT
Virtual reality technologies (VR) is argued to offer particular benefits for children on the autism spectrum, chiefly because it can offer simulations of authentic real-world situations in a carefully controlled and safe environment. VR is a specific type of computer-based technology offering three-dimensional, real-time virtual environments (VE) that can be used to simulate real or imaginary environments. Trepagnier suggested that VR may be particularly helpful for people with cognitive and perceptual impairments because the technology can assist in planning, problem-solving and management of behaviour, and offer powerful communicative facilities for people with limited expressive language. Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) enable several different users to share and interact with the VE at the same time. Early exploration of CVE usability for young adults with Asperger syndrome as part of the AS Interactive project, identified problems relating to technical robustness and lack of willingness of participants to interact with each other.
