Augmented Reality Mixed Reality Virtual Reality
Autism Through Virtual Eyes
Guest Contribution
A case study review.
Week two of inte5340 asks us to review a particular digital storytelling tool or platform. I’ve chosen to review the UK-based National Autistic Society’s Autism TIM Virtual Reality Experience. The NAS partnered with 10 year old Alex to recreate the over-stimulation experiences he sometimes has during daily outings with his mom. The video incorporates flashing lights, loud noises/voices, vivid colors and sudden movement which culminate in what many would call a panic attack (shallow breathing, tunnel vision, reduced hearing) while Alex’s mother attempts to calm Alex and talk him through the fear.
Viewed on a computer, the experience is uncomfortable enough. As a non-autistic or neurotypical person, who sometimes experiences generalized anxiety, I felt that the presentation of sensory input was effective and allowed me to relate to Alex’s experiences (though, I’m not sure it is possible to recreate the exact experience, as temperature, olfactory and tactile input also factors in a sensory overload event).
Viewed on my (very cheap) VR headset, the input was heightened to an extreme level. With my focus solely on the video and audio combined with my movement, I was drawn into Alex’s breathing, his mother’s desperation and worry, the startling sounds and strobe vision. Virtual reality recreated Alex’s isolation and fear.
Scrolling through the mixed comments for the video indicated that this video accurately presents the experience of a person on the Autism spectrum or with a sensory processing disorder?—?though it is critical to note that not all people with Autism have these experiences.
“As someone who has autism, this is actually pretty accurate. Whenever I would go out somewhere, I would feel this way if there was too much stimuli, so good on you for capturing the experience to a tee.”
“I have autism, feel like this every time I forget my headphones.”
“I want to thank +The National Autistic Society for making this video , this is very accurate of how I feel as a person with Autism . I hated the noise of things falling , the people looking at me and the fidgeting of the plush in my hands is like how I am in public . I thank you for doing this , it will hopefully get things across to people outside Autism spectrum .”
“I have autism, and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced or ever will experience this, I think this feels more like a psychological horror thing than an autism virtual reality experience. Just giving my opinion.”
“I don’t get complete shutdowns. Not remembering leaving the mall isn’t familiar. Functioning is still harder with sensory overload.”
The comments illustrate an important point: when discussing tools that approach learning through Multimodal learning, one must realize that there is not a one-size-fits-all platform. This video successfully utilized audio, visual and even tactile/kinesthetic elements to envelope the learner in an experience, but it is not necessarily one that is interpreted as true for all individuals. It is simply one example of one person’s daily life that resonates with many people in various ways. However, if learners are interested in walking in the shoes of a person who identifies as autistic, this tool provides a window into that particular experience. I do not necessarily view this video as a terminal presentation of the topic, but I do hope that it encourage learners to explore this topic with greater empathy and deeper curiosity.
View the full video here:
https://medium.com/media/748098bbd786ad393dbe3d511a29978b/href
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