Easterseals Southern California’s Autism Services has been collaborating with a company called Floreo VR on a virtual reality solution to help people with autism safely use transportation. Recently, that technology won T-Mobile’s prestigious “Unconventional Award” for its innovative use of 5G technology. Here’s a look at what’s happening and what’s ahead.
The Challenge Being Addressed
For those with autism, a trip in the family car can expose challenges and triggers, making it unsafe for everyone involved. Of course, access to transportation is a critical component of inclusion for people with autism.
“It’s how we get to work, attend appointments, visit with family or socialize,” says Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Easterseals Chief Clinical Officer. “But preparing individuals with autism to safely navigate streets, cars, and public transportation may sometimes present complex challenges.”
For example, some people with autism have trouble keeping on their seatbelts. In addition, anything from traffic, stopping at a stoplight, or even a driver having to take a different route can be a trigger. Some Easterseals participants will not leave their home or ride in a car.
These barriers put people with autism at risk for a wide range of negative health and quality-of-life outcomes.
The Unconventional Awards recognize organizations that use T-Mobile’s 5G network to solve real-world problems in a creative way. Easterseals was honored with the first-place award in the “Customer Experience” category.
Virtual Reality for Autism: A Game-Changer
VR technology is a game-changer in this area because it creates an opportunity for people to practice skills ahead of time, in an immersive and safe way.
With Floreo and Easterseal’s virtual reality solution, children and adults can take a virtual journey to get a preview of the transportation they’ll be using. They can encounter the same triggers they’ll find in the real world and, working with a clinician, they can safely practice skills to reduce dangerous behaviors.
Because this technology is being used in a clinically rigorous setting, researchers and clinicians will—for the first time—be able to assess and create treatment plans for the behaviors associated with autism in transportation settings. It will also help researchers and clinicians track progress and individualize approaches to skill building.
To further advance this research, Easterseals has joined Floreo’s Scientific Advisory Board as a leading member.
Through virtual reality, individuals can practice every step of the transportation journey.
What’s Ahead
The program could have a tremendous impact over time by making medical visits less challenging and promoting inclusion for people with autism in ways most of us take for granted.
Easterseals Southern California is exploring even more topic areas with Floreo, including safe street crossing, communication, and social skills.
“Together, we are working to create a world where neurodiverse individuals can practice life, communication, and social skills in a safe, virtual environment, preparing them to navigate real-world situations with confidence and independence,” said Vijay Ravindran, CEO of Floreo.
“This directly supports our mission to achieve full equity, inclusion and access for the people we support,” says Paula. “We want to give people the tools to enhance their independence, as well as their quality of life.”
Read more about the award and our partnership with Floreo VR.
To learn more about Easterseals Autism Therapy Services, visit our website.
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