How Virtual Reality Can Help Neurodivergent Children Improve Their Attention

Improvement of Sustained Attention Through Immersive Virtual Reality in Neurodivergent Children

The goal of this study is to determine whether playing a virtual reality (VR) game can help neurodivergent children pay attention for extended periods. The study includes children ages 9 to 18 who have autism, ADHD, learning differences, or movement coordination challenges. The program lasts for 6 weeks. During this period, children will play a VR game twice per week, with each session lasting 25 minutes.

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to investigate the impact of an immersive virtual reality (VR) game intervention on sustained attention in neurodivergent children aged 9 to 18 years. This project aligns with previous study dosages designed as a 6-week program targeting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorder (SLD), or developmental coordination disorder (DCD) (neurodivergent disorders). Participants will be recruited through convenience sampling in the local community and will participate in two 25-minute VR sessions per week for 6 weeks.

This study examines the effectiveness of a VR-based attention-training program by comparing pre- and post-intervention data using the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) and the Right Eye assessment. Repeated-measures ANOVA will be used to evaluate changes in sustained attention, including omission rates and response times. The findings will provide insight into how immersive VR games can enhance attention and engagement in daily activities among neurodivergent children, thereby facilitating the integration of technology-based interventions into therapeutic practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, SLD, or DCD confirmed by a licensed clinician or documented in medical/educational records (DSM-5 or equivalent).
• Parent/guardian consent and participant assent (age-appropriate).
• Ability to follow simple verbal instructions and to participate in 25-minute VR sessions twice weekly for 6 weeks.
• Stable medication regimen for attention- or behavior-related medications for ≥4 weeks prior to baseline (or not taking such medications).
• Visual and auditory ability adequate for VR tasks (with or without usual corrective lenses/hearing aids).
• Availability to attend all scheduled sessions at the clinical site across the 6-week period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of photosensitive epilepsy or any uncontrolled seizure disorder.
• Severe intellectual disability or severe communication impairment that prevents understanding/participation (e.g., non-responsive to simple commands required by the VR tasks).
• Severe visual, auditory, or motor impairment that prevents safe or functional use of the VR system (e.g., inability to hold controllers or view the headset even with correction).
• Recent (within 6 months) significant brain injury or neurosurgery. Significant history of motion sickness, severe vestibular disorder, or prior intolerance to immersive VR.
• Any medical or implanted device contraindicated for VR/headset use (if applicable).