THE SCHOOL TRANSITIONING EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED VIDEO MODELLING INTERVENTION ON AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Abstract

Autistic children frequently experience significant difficulties during school transitions, including challenges with social communication, behavioral regulation, and adapting to unfamiliar environments. Although both Virtual Reality (VR) and Video Modelling (VM) have been independently investigated as effective interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their combined application specifically targeting school transition behaviors remains underexplored in the literature. This pilot pre-post feasibility study examined the effects of a customizable Virtual Reality Video Modelling (VRVM) intervention on school-transition-related behavioral and social outcomes in autistic children. Seven autistic children (aged 5–7 years) participated in weekly VRVM training sessions conducted from January to March 2024, prior to school enrolment. The VRVM application, delivered via a Google Cardboard head-mounted display (HMD) on an Android device, presented three point-of-view video modelling storylines depicting school-related social scenarios. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Social Responsiveness Scale - Second Edition (SRS-2) and the Behavior Assessment System for Children - Third Edition (BASC-3). Effect sizes were quantified using Cohen's d. Pre- and post-intervention scores showed improvements across multiple scales. The Cohen's d values were d = 1.247 for hyperactivity (large effect), d = 0.739 for Behavioral Symptoms Index from BASC-3 (medium-to-large effect), and d = 0.546 for social awareness from SRS-2 (medium effect). Hoever, effect sizes derived from small samples may be upwardly biased and should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that VRVM is a feasible and promising augmentative approach for supporting school transition in autistic children. Future controlled research with larger samples is warranted to confirm these effects.