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Virtual reality and robots for autism: moving beyond the screen

Virtual reality and robots for autism: moving beyond the screen PurposeThis short paper reports on the fourth seminar in a seven-seminar series entitled, “Innovative Technologies for Autism: Critical Reflections on Digital Bubbles”, funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. The purpose of this paper is to consider in more depth the technologies being developed and used in the autism field, and to critically reflect on their relative benefits and potential pitfalls.Design/methodology/approachPresentations from key researchers and practitioners are reviewed, highlighting contemporary issues in the area of autism and technology. The presentations include descriptions of cutting-edge technologies as well as the role of technology in human-human interaction.FindingsDespite its potential, technology for autism is regarded by many with some caution: technology per se cannot provide solutions to key issues in the field. However, by looking in more depth at the features of new technologies and the interactions that take place with and around them, we can begin to build up a picture of best practice around technology for autism.Originality/valueThis paper offers up-to-date insights from leading academics on the benefits and challenges of innovative technologies in the field of autism research and practice. Specifically, it highlights the importance of including a breadth of expertise in the design of such tools, and the need to consider technology as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Assistive Technologies Emerald Publishing

Virtual reality and robots for autism: moving beyond the screen

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
1754-9450
DOI
10.1108/JAT-09-2016-0018
Publisher site
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Abstract

PurposeThis short paper reports on the fourth seminar in a seven-seminar series entitled, “Innovative Technologies for Autism: Critical Reflections on Digital Bubbles”, funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. The purpose of this paper is to consider in more depth the technologies being developed and used in the autism field, and to critically reflect on their relative benefits and potential pitfalls.Design/methodology/approachPresentations from key researchers and practitioners are reviewed, highlighting contemporary issues in the area of autism and technology. The presentations include descriptions of cutting-edge technologies as well as the role of technology in human-human interaction.FindingsDespite its potential, technology for autism is regarded by many with some caution: technology per se cannot provide solutions to key issues in the field. However, by looking in more depth at the features of new technologies and the interactions that take place with and around them, we can begin to build up a picture of best practice around technology for autism.Originality/valueThis paper offers up-to-date insights from leading academics on the benefits and challenges of innovative technologies in the field of autism research and practice. Specifically, it highlights the importance of including a breadth of expertise in the design of such tools, and the need to consider technology as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.

Journal

Journal of Assistive Technologies – Emerald Publishing

Published: Dec 19, 2016

References

  • Discrepancies in a virtual learning environment: something worth communicating about for young children with ASC
  • How can participatory design inform the design and development of innovative technologies for autistic communities?
  • Horizons for the enactive mind: values, social interaction, and play
  • A targeted review of computer-assisted learning for people with autism spectrum disorder: towards a consistent methodology