Therapeutic Application of Virtual Reality in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

  • Fernando Mauricio León Martínez Universidad Católica de Cuenca image/svg+xml
  • Mateo Fabian Aguilar Apolo Universidad Católica de Cuenca image/svg+xml
  • Sebastian Andres Vasquéz Argudo Universidad Católica de Cuenca image/svg+xml
  • Denis Alexander Sáenz Benenaula Universidad Católica de Cuenca image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53591/rug.v140i1.2506

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality as a therapeutic application in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in comparison to traditional therapy. Materials and Methods: Studies published between 2020 and 2025, in English or Spanish, were included. These studies assessed the therapeutic use of virtual reality (VR) in children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), aged between 3 and 18 years, based on recognized clinical criteria (DSM-5 or ICD-11). Results: The systematic review shows that virtual reality significantly improves social skills in children and adolescents with ASD. Despite its high acceptance and adherence, methodological limitations remain, and greater standardization and long term follow up are needed. Discussion: Different authors' points of view are compared to better understand the positive and negative aspects of this therapy. Conclusion: It is a highly effective tool, supported by several studies, demonstrating that it opens the door to improved care for these patients.

References

Alcañiz Raya, R., Navarro, M. D. M., & Baños, R. M. (2023). Virtual reality as a tool to improve social skills in children with autism: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(2), 321–336.

Delgado, R., Villalobos, A., & Ramírez, M. (2020). La realidad virtual como apoyo en la atención conjunta en niños con TEA. Revista de Psicología Infantil y Adolescente, 11(1), 45–60.

Frolli, A., Cavallaro, A., Ricci, M. C., & Bosco, A. (2022). Virtual reality in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Children, 9(3), 370. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030370

Gómez-Gil, E., Ramírez, C., & Torres, M. (2024). Limitaciones sensoriales en el uso de realidad virtual para pacientes con TEA severo. Revista Española de Neuropsicología Infantil, 12(1), 45–58.

Li, C., Belter, M., Liu, J., & Lukosch, H. (2023). Intervenciones basadas en realidad virtual inmersiva para el trastorno del espectro autista: Una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis. Electronics, 12(11), 2497. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12112497

Liu, C., Li, Z., & Wang, L. (2023). Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality therapy on social and emotional functioning in children with ASD: A meta‑analysis. Autism Research, 16(3), 512–528.

Lord, C., Elsabbagh, M., Baird, G., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J. (2020). Autism spectrum disorder. The Lancet, 392(10146), 508–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31129-2

Lorenzo, G., Lledó, A., Pomares, J., & Roig, R. (2022). Design and application of an immersive virtual reality system to enhance social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(3), 387–401.

Minissi, M. E., De Nitto, S., Capuano, A., & Siracusano, R. (2024). Autism spectrum disorder: Current clinical and therapeutic approaches. European Journal of Pediatrics, 183(1), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-023-05087-x

Moya, J., Ortega, J., & Cedeño, D. (2020). Aplicaciones clínicas de la realidad virtual en trastornos del neurodesarrollo: Revisión de la literatura. Revista Latinoamericana de Psicología Clínica, 18(2), 112–128.

Organización Mundial de la Salud. (2022). Autism spectrum disorders. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders

Pérez-Fuster, P., Medina, M., & Galindo, J. (2021). Estudio cualitativo sobre la percepción de la realidad virtual como intervención en adolescentes con TEA. Psicología y Tecnología, 9(2), 25–38.

Tanaka, M., Nakamura, K., & Shimizu, A. (2024). Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality interventions for social and emotional development in children with ASD: A systematic review. Autism Research, 17(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.3216

Valdez, D., Ríos, P., & Mendoza, J. (2020). Retos en el abordaje clínico del trastorno del espectro autista en Latinoamérica. Revista Panamericana de Salud Mental, 8(1), 12–25.

Zhang, W., Yu, T., & Li, X. (2021). Effectiveness of virtual reality intervention on improving social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Autism Research, 14(8), 1679–1692. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2519

Zhao, L., Ma, Z., & Yu, Y. (2021). A review of virtual reality-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 673700. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.

Published

2026-01-08

Issue

Section

Bibliographic Review

How to Cite

Therapeutic Application of Virtual Reality in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2026). Revista Universidad De Guayaquil, 140(1), 85-97. https://doi.org/10.53591/rug.v140i1.2506