A serious game with virtual reality for travel training with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior. This article describes the creation of a serious game that prepares individuals with ASD to use buses as a mean of transportation. Virtual reality (VR) support was added, increasing the feeling of presence and the realism of the experience, thus increasing its potential as a learning tool. The game is currently being developed using the Unity game engine and uses the Oculus Rift as virtual reality headset. Preliminary results prove the viability of the experiment and the acceptance from individuals with ASD towards the use of the VR setup. In conclusion, the project aims to understand how games and virtual reality can be used to improve the capabilities of individuals with ASD, and help them live more independently.