THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY HYPNOSIS WITH TWO CASESOF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

摘要

The use of a 'virtual reality' hypnotherapeutic procedure was trialled for feasibility asa possible treatment modality for autism (4 sessions over 2 weeks) with 2 boys aged 14and 15 years old. The aim of the study was to determine if the procedure would beacceptable to autistic patients and thus have some potential as an intervention for reduc-ing anxieties and/or alleviating symptoms associated with autism. Results indicated thatthe procedure had no effect on autistic symptoms, however, the parents of both boysreported that their son enjoyed the sessions, was attentive and relaxed throughout andthat they would pursue this procedure if it were available. Furthermore, they indicatedthat they believed it was an effective technique to gain their son's attention, and this,combined with the fact that the boys found it enjoyable and engaging, led them to believethere is significant potential for this particular treatment modality.