Factors influencing the adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology among parents of individuals with ASD

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that affect the adoption of a virtual reality (VR) technology among parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study sought to learn what might increase adoption of VR technology among other parents of individuals with ASD. The study employed interviews, focus groups, and observation to collect data. The findings of the study identified factors that positively/negatively affected the parents’ decision to adopt VR technology with their children. To increase the adoption of VR by other parents of individuals with ASD, parents suggested that understanding of VR learning applications needs to increase, more teachers should be trained to use VR and there should be greater exposure to VR in schools and at home. The findings of this study may help eliminate concerns about using VR technology as a therapy for ASD individuals and encourage more parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to adopt it.

KEYWORDS:

• VR
• autism spectrum disorder
• parents

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fahad H. Abdeen

Fahad H. Abdeen is an educational consultant at the Curriculum Development Centre at the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. He is a member of the Digital Skills curriculum team and a vice-president of the Educational Technology Department. His research interests include: Virtual reality in teaching and learning, computer game-based, and distance learning.

Waheeb S. Albiladi

Waheeb Albiladi is an assistant professor at the English Language and Preparation Year Institution at the Royal Commission for Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. He has 15 years of experience in teaching English as a second/foreign language. His research interests include: ESL/EFL pedagogy, technology in English teaching and learning, bilingual education, and teachers’ use of data.