Social MatchUP: a memory-like virtual reality game for the enhancement of social skills in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

摘要

As soon as this paper came across my desk, I knew I had to read and review it. What could be better than a virtual teaching environment for children to whom reality presents a struggle? Social skills are difficult to teach to any population. Most social skills are gained by interacting with other people and through learning by example. Children with neurodevelopment disorders (NDD) are typically not aware of their environments nor do they learn or absorb behaviors from peers. The authors have done a fine job researching and presenting the different aspects of their development effort, including NDD, wearable immersive virtual reality (WIVR) games, head-mounted displays, social virtual reality, remote sessions, and customization. The discussion is enhanced with images. The approach is clear and supported by literature. A clear explanation of how the game will work is presented. A requirements analysis describes conversations with therapists and educators and observations of the target population.