Systematic Review of Virtual Reality in Behavioral Interventions for Individuals with Autism

Objectives Virtual reality technology is able to simulate real life environments and has been used to facilitate behavioral interventions for people with autism. This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of virtual reality (VR) technology in the context of behavioral interventions designed to increase behaviors that support more independent functioning (e.g., teach vocational skills, adaptive behavior) or decrease challenging behaviors that interfere with daily functioning for individuals with autism. Methods We conducted a systematic search in four databases followed by a reference search for those articles identified by the systematic database search. We also conducted a quality review using the evaluative method for evaluating and determining evidence-based practices in autism. Results We identified 23 studies with a majority of the studies (n = 18; 75%) utilizing group experimental or quasi-experiment research design and the remaining (n = 5; 21.74%) utilizing single-case research design. Of those studies, targeted behavior includes vocational skills (n = 10), safety skills (n = 4), functional behaviors (n = 2), and challenging behavior (n = 7). Of the 23 studies, 11 met the quality criteria to be classified as "strong" or "adequate" and can offer evidence on the integration of VR technology into behavioral interventions. Conclusions The use of VR to provide behavioral interventions to teach driving skills and to teach interview skills can be considered an evidence-based practice.