The Effect Of Virtual Reality Glasses On The Behavior Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Effect Of Virtual Reality Glasses On The Behavior Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of virtual reality glasses showing an immersive video simulation of the dental visit will help decrease anxiety at future appointments by decreasing the element of surprise and increasing the patient's familiarity and comfort level with a specific dental practice environment.

After an initial baseline data collection visit to the dental clinic, patients will be placed in the virtual reality (VR) group or the no VR group. Caregivers in the VR group will be given VR glasses. They will be instructed how to access the video and use the glasses. The child/wearer of the glasses will feel immersed in the three-dimensional environment and be able to look around the room as they move down the hallways in the video. The caregiver will be encouraged to have the child wear the VR glasses as often as possible and record the number of times the video is watched. The caregiver will fill out a "records form" which will include the date and time the video was watched. Both groups will then return to the clinic for follow up data collection visit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Exclusion Criteria:

• No specific diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Limited English Proficiency
• Existing patient of VCU Department of Pediatric Dentistry
• Parent/guardian determination that child would not be avle to tolerate immersive simulation with VR glasses