Can a Smaller, Less Expensive, but Sophisticated Virtual Reality Simulator Train Driving Skills Among Novice Drivers Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Pilot Study

Virtual reality driving simulators have been successfully applied with novice drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their size, expense, and complexity impede broad application. We developed and evaluated a smaller and less expensive mixed reality Head-Mounted Display (mrHMD) simulator as an alternative. Eleven novice drivers were evaluated on a room-size surround screen driving simulator and completed a driving apprehension scale. Comparing change scores, greater improvement occurred following mrHMD training than routine training for three steering control variables. A reduction in negative attitudes to driving was also found. At the end of the study, both the participants and their caregivers rated the likelihood of pursuing a driver’s license significantly higher than at the beginning of the study. When contacted for follow-up 6 months later, four of the participants had obtained their license. The participants and their caregivers expressed satisfaction with the training and reported they would recommend it to others.