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Breaking autistic barriers using Virtual Reality
Can VR be a substitute for in-person interaction?
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Tuesday 30th December 2025 |
A study from Flinders and Macquarie Universities explored how 22 autistic young people, aged 9 to 22, experienced social interactions within immersive virtual reality (VR).
The researchers aimed to move away from traditional "social skills training" and instead look at VR as a tool to make the social environment itself more accessible and comfortable.
The study identified three main ways that VR can support autistic people in social settings.
First, it acts as a sensory filter, allowing users to block out overwhelming background noise or "blur" intense social cues like direct eye contact that can cause anxiety.
Second, VR provides increased confidence by giving users control over their appearance.
By using an avatar, young people felt they could be judged on their personality rather than their body language or appearance, which reduced the fear of being bullied or misunderstood.
Finally, it offers novel social opportunities, making it easier to meet people over long distances in a way that feels more "physical" than a standard video call.
Despite these benefits, the participants were clear that VR is not a substitute for real life.
While they found it helpful as a "safe first step" for high-stakes situations-like practicing for a first date or a job interview-they felt that virtual interactions lacked the emotional depth and authenticity of in-person connection.
Many expressed that physically being with others is essential for building meaningful relationships and maintaining well-being.
The research concludes that VR should be used to adapt the world to the person, rather than trying to change how autistic people behave.
It highlights that autistic youth highly value social connection and prefer tools that empower them to navigate the real world with greater confidence.
Source: Sage Journals (USA)
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613251406114
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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