The aims of this systematic literature review were to uncover, analyze, and present design characteristics of virtual reality (VR) systems that have been designed as training tools for individuals with autism. Specifically, this review sought to (1) assess points of convergence and divergence in how researchers define VR, (2) extrapolate individual components of VR systems, and (3) systematically extract how design factors are instantiated in these VR projects. A systematic review was conducted to approach these goals that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standards to provide methodological and reporting quality. English language papers published in peer-reviewed academic journals after 1995 were included. Databases searched for this systematic review were Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ERIC, and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted in March, 2020. A total of 82 articles was analyzed which were organized by project, resulting in a total of 49 records. Findings from this literature review suggest inconsistencies in how VR is being conceptualized which has implications on how purported benefits of VR technologies may be designed for and greatly impact the possibilities for learner interactions and how benefits can be realized. Open Science Foundation registration:osf.io/5asyg.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have been widely adopted in the intervention literature for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The systematic and predictable nature of ICTs make them particularly attractive for individuals with ASD. One ICT that has potential promise for individuals with ASD is virtual reality (VR). However, to date there is limited evidence of intervention effects for individuals with ASD when delivered via VR. The aim of this study was to extend the literature on the use of VR with individuals with ASD by presenting the design, implementation, and formative evaluation of a spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) mobile app. Using Design Based Research methods, we conducted a formative evaluation to investigate the SVVR app from the perspectives of (1) user experience, (2) feasibility, (3) relevance, and (4) usability for adults with ASD. The evaluation was conducted in two phases and consisted of expert review with four content experts and structured usage testing with five adults with ASD. Results indicate that participants with ASD found the SVVR app to be easy to use and reported an overall positive user-experience; results from expert review suggest a feasible, relevant, and easy-to-use intervention. The pedagogical and theoretical footing that informed the design and implementation of the SVVR mobile app for individuals with ASD is presented and discussed.