Vocational training with immersive virtual reality for individuals with autism: towards better design practices

In this paper, an immersive virtual reality system for vocational rehabilitation of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (VR4VR) is presented. VR4VR uses immersive virtual environments to assess and train individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This paper discusses lessons learned from the testing sessions with neuro typical individuals and individuals with ASD in regards to better design principles. During testing sessions, participants used VR4VR system to practice six skills identified as transferrable and useful in many common jobs. These six transferable skills were cleaning, loading the back of a truck, money management, shelving, environmental awareness and social skills. This paper presents VR4VR system, design considerations for the ASD population and lessons learned from the testing sessions with the aim of giving insight to future virtual reality systems for individuals with ASD.