Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Virtual reality (VR) technology provides innovative intervention means for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to its advantages of realism, flexibility, and controllability, bringing new possibilities. The application of VR technology for intervention in children with ASD has been widely explored. A total of 39 studies reviewed relevant literature from 2006 to February 2024 and found that VR technology demonstrated strong effectiveness in intervention for children with ASD, including social skills, moods and emotions, daily living skills, attention and others. However, existing studies have limitations regarding research methods, participants, theories, and long-term effectiveness. Future research should overcome the limitations of current studies, focusing on weak quality of research methods, targeting female individuals with ASD and individuals with varying levels of functioning, exploring the theoretical foundations of VR-based interventions, and conducting long-term follow-ups to verify intervention effects.