Can Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder Use Virtual Reality Driving Simulation Training to Evaluate and Improve Driving Performance? An Exploratory Study.

Researchers asked if teens with autism could learn to drive in a video-game car.

They split 30 new drivers into two groups. One group trained in a VR driving rig. The other group got the usual behind-the-wheel lessons.

Both groups practiced for the same number of hours.

The VR group scored higher on a real-road driving test after training.

They also got better at planning and staying focused.

The regular-lesson group improved only a little.

EbrahimiSani et al. (2020) and Mombarg et al. (2013) also used game systems to fix motor problems. They saw the same medium-sized gains, but in younger kids with DCD and for balance, not driving.

Wuang et al. (2011) added Wii games to therapy for kids with Down syndrome and saw the same boost in sensorimotor skills.

Allen et al. (2016) used a mixed-reality classroom to coach teachers of students with ASD. Their simulator helped adults, not students, so the tool flips from teacher training to student training.

If you teach life skills to teens with ASD, a VR driving rig can give extra practice with no real-world risk. You can let the learner crash, reset, and try again. The same setup may work for other daily tasks like street crossing or bus riding. Start small: one 15-minute VR route and track errors on a simple sheet.