Start Beyond develops VR program for autistic teens

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) studio Start Beyond has created a VR program to help autistic teens face social scenarios.

This VR program will be used by therapists to individualise their treatment program for autistic teens to help them face and engage in challenging social scenarios without the real-life emotional risk.

Engaged by UK and American based company SocialWise VR, the learning program provides a suite of interactive, cinematic and immersive experiences where the teen can experience first-hand a variety of social interactions, from being at a party where they might be bullied or harassed to going on a date, all within the safety of the therapist environment.

According to Start Beyond, the immersive program transports the user to a variety of highly realistic and challenging social scenarios, where they can choose from three different responses when prompted. Depending on the selected answer, they will receive a neutral, negative or positive reaction.

Through the companion app, therapists can watch how their client responds to different situations remotely, offering the same intimacy as a regular therapy session in the same room.

This format allows therapists to provide even more thorough feedback and counsel to clients, where they can guide them through challenges and explain why they received certain reactions for the responses chosen, according to the VR company. 

Ultimately equipping autistic teenagers with crucial social communication and interaction skills to take away and apply to real-world scenarios.

Angus Stevens, CEO at Start Beyond said he is very passionate about bringing this program to Australia where it is estimated that 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum.

Further, in 2015, 55.8 percent of young people with autism needed special tuition and 41.8 percent needed help from a counsellor or disability support person.

The life changing SocialWise VR program could assist these young Australians in overcoming the challenges they face in society, allowing a safe avenue to navigate interactions and come away feeling confident and included in everyday life. 

Stevens said, “Therapists have found that their clients are really embracing the VR experience and report that it has become a powerful tool within the industry.

“Due to this response, we are excited to build a similar momentum for the Social Wise program in Australia, providing impactful support for teenagers on the autistic spectrum and also revolutionising the care therapists can provide through the metaverse.”

He said this program can be applied to a whole range of neurodiverse needs including anxiety disorders or mental health related concerns.

Jenifer Shahin, co-founder of SocialWise VR said, “SocialWise VR was created to provide a safe space for learners and therapists to navigate complex and stressful scenarios together, allowing them to build emotional intelligence, without the emotional risk.

“Our partnership with Start Beyond allows us to provide this platform with their software design being fully inclusive of all the unique components necessary to achieve this authentic outcome."

Shahin said she finds students are excited to use this curriculum, feel more confident about what to expect in the real world and feel better equipped to navigate high-stress, novel experiences.

"We are excited to roll this program out more widely and help support even more Neurodiverse people who struggle with everyday social interactions," she ended.