What is it about?
The urgency for efficient and effective Autism rehabilitation interventions is escalating, driven by the alarming rise in prevalence and the substantial direct and indirect costs associated with lifelong care. Among the myriad interventions, those based on Information and Communication Technology are increasingly becoming a transformative force for individuals across the Autism spectrum, encompassing children, adolescents, and adults alike. A particularly promising beacon for Autism intervention emerges in the form of Immersive Virtual Reality based on Serious Games. Here, learning activities unfold akin to captivating games, offering a potential breakthrough in addressing Autism challenges. However, the current reality is a stark contrast, as these innovative interventions remain on the periphery of clinical practice due to a dearth of evidence-based results regarding their effectiveness and efficacy for individuals with Autism. This article explores how such interventions are evaluated, seeking to unravel this enigma through a meticulous systematic review. "Evaluation," the linchpin process consistently employed by researchers to gauge the effectiveness and efficacy of rehabilitation interventions on clinical populations, takes centre stage. Constrained by time and driven by the paramount goal of aiding their patients, clinicians naturally gravitate towards interventions with established effectiveness and efficacy. Herein lies the crux of our concern: our findings reveal a disconcerting landscape marked by numerous methodological pitfalls in the evaluation process and a glaring absence of universally accepted evaluation guidelines. The ramifications are profound. The compromised replicability of results casts a shadow over the credibility of interventions, leaving clinicians apprehensive about embracing these innovative approaches. The collateral damage? A detrimental impact on individuals with Autism, who are left at a disadvantage due to this hesitancy.
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Why is it important?
Our presented work lays the groundwork for a fundamental reevaluation of this critical issue. It sheds light on a spectrum of methodological challenges that demand attention in future research endeavours. As we navigate the uncharted territory of Autism rehabilitation in the digital age, addressing these issues becomes imperative for fostering a future where technology can truly be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those with Autism. Our research holds significance by elucidating methodological challenges essential for refining the future evaluation framework of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) based on Serious Games interventions for Autism. Taking a proactive stance, we are actively developing an evaluation protocol that integrates comprehensive guidelines, aiming to establish a standard accessible to a broad research audience. Emphasizing a user-centric approach, our efforts are geared towards placing clinicians at the forefront. We aim to bolster their capacity to administer proven, effective rehabilitative interventions for individuals with Autism, aligning with their imperative role in delivering quality care.
Perspectives
Embarking on this research journey has proven to be one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences of my career. As a psychologist specializing in autism, the collaboration unfolded seamlessly with another esteemed psychologist in the field of autism and two accomplished researchers well-versed in Information and Communication Technology, particularly virtual reality. The result? This paper is a testament to the concerted efforts of our dynamic and multidisciplinary team. What stands out most, and I'm eager to convey to readers, is the importance of combining the knowledge and expertise of professionals from diverse backgrounds. Was it a challenge? Undoubtedly. As four women researchers with distinct specialities, effective communication wasn't a given; it required effort from the outset. But was it worth it? Absolutely. This article is more than a publication; it represents just one facet of an ongoing commitment. Our collaboration transcends the research pages—it's a dedicated effort to contribute meaningfully to the research landscape and clinical practice. And in the tapestry of our work, this article is just one vibrant thread.
Sara Peretti
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A Systematic Review to Know How Interventions Realized with Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Serious Games for Individuals with Autism are Evaluated, September 2023, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery),
DOI: 10.1145/3605390.3605396.
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