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

Daniel J Cox; Timothy Brown; Veerle Ross; Matthew Moncrief; Rose Schmitt; Gary Gaffney; Ron Reeve

doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3164-7

Back

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

Journal article

Peer reviewed

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

Daniel J Cox, Timothy Brown, Veerle Ross, Matthew Moncrief, Rose Schmitt, Gary Gaffney and Ron Reeve

Journal of autism and developmental disorders, Vol.47(8), pp.2544-2555

08/01/2017

DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3164-7

PMID: 28540452

View Online

Abstract

Investigate how novice drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) differ from experienced drivers and whether virtual reality driving simulation training (VRDST) improves ASD driving performance. 51 novice ASD drivers (mean age 17.96 years, 78% male) were randomized to routine training (RT) or one of three types of VRDST (8-12 sessions). All participants followed DMV behind-the-wheel training guidelines for earning a driver's license. Participants were assessed pre- and post-training for driving-specific executive function (EF) abilities and tactical driving skills. ASD drivers showed worse baseline EF and driving skills than experienced drivers. At post-assessment, VRDST significantly improved driving and EF performance over RT. This study demonstrated feasibility and potential efficacy of VRDST for novice ASD drivers.

Adolescent

Autism Spectrum Disorder - rehabilitation

Automobile Driving - education

Executive Function

Female

Humans

Male

Simulation Training - methods

Virtual Reality

Young Adult

Details

Title: Subtitle: Can Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder Use Virtual Reality Driving Simulation Training to Evaluate and Improve Driving Performance? An Exploratory Study
Creators: Daniel J Cox - University of Virginia
Timothy Brown - University of Iowa
Veerle Ross - Hasselt University
Matthew Moncrief - University of Virginia
Rose Schmitt - University of Iowa
Gary Gaffney - University of Iowa
Ron Reeve - University of Virginia
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of autism and developmental disorders, Vol.47(8), pp.2544-2555
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3164-7
PMID: 28540452
NLM abbreviation: J Autism Dev Disord
ISSN: 0162-3257
eISSN: 1573-3432
Language: English
Date published: 08/01/2017
Academic Unit: Psychiatry; Iowa Technology Institute; Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics; Driving Safety Research Institute; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Injury Prevention Research Center
Record Identifier: 9984627246302771

Metrics

11 Record Views

71 Times Cited - Web of Science

See more details