Usability Testing of Developed Virtual Reality Environment to Enhance Communication Skills for Children with Low Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The development of communication skills in children with low function autism spectrum disorders (LFA) requires a structured environment and systematic repeated practice. The development of a virtual environment is a solution to overcome the difficulties of creating a structured environment that stimulates the emergence of communication events, both verbal and nonverbal. The research participants were five children diagnosed with low-functioning autism spectrum disorders, aged between 15–21 years. Through structured observation and self-talk, observations were made on the subject's behavior while using the application of VR-Kids Communication. In this study, five participants attended three intervention session. Two participants used HMD consistently, two participants used HMD only in the last session and one participant used smart phones without HMD. Comfortability of using the application, objects readability, ease to Follow VR activities, which are considered effective, and recognition of nonverbal expressions and response to verbal expressions are considered quite effective. The ability of participants to understand the simple commands determine the level of ease to use the application of VR-Kids Communication.