Virtual reality programs can help children with social communication

Communication problems can hold back childhood development, with a range of interventions available to assist with social communication disorders. 

In a new research review, Flinders University education experts found strong evidence in support of virtual reality (VR) techniques to help break down these barriers.

“These newer innovative and accessible interfaces and wearable VR glasses may help children and adolescents who struggle with real-world social engagement and learning,” says Flinders University researcher Dr Weifeng Han, from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.

“Research so far shows they can be a safe, motivating and immersive way for young people to practice social skills before applying them in everyday life.

“VR can act as a bridge between therapy and real-world social interaction." 

Social communication disorders (SCD) involve persistent verbal and non-verbal communication difficulties, significantly impacting children and adolescents' social interactions. 

Traditional interventions, while valuable, face practical limitations, including difficulties replicating real-world social contexts and low engagement among some learners.

This review of 11 studies of VR tools for SCD encompassing both autism spectrum disorder-specific and broader SCD populations. The studies (2010-2024) considered five key themes – usability and acceptability, social skills training, gaze and attention tracking, measurement and assessment, and applications in inclusive education.

“Our findings demonstrate VR’s potential as a mediating tool between therapeutic interventions and real-world social interactions, offering controlled yet naturalistic environments that enable safe, structured practice while maintaining engagement,” says Dr Han, Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education Futures.

“The alignment with cognitive science principles enhances learning processes through effective management of cognitive demands.

“Building on these findings, we propose implementation strategies for educational and therapeutic settings, addressing design considerations, delivery methods, and outcome evaluation.”

Researchers point out that future research could focus on developing training for using VR for developmental language disorders, different neurological conditions and other forms of SCD. 

“To establish the clinical effectiveness and real-world value of VR-based interventions for SCD, the field must prioritise the development and adoption of standardised outcome measures and undertake rigorous longitudinal studies tracking skill generalisation over time,” they conclude.

The latest article, Virtual Reality as a Mediating Tool in Addressing Social Communication Disorder: Current Understanding and Implementation Strategies (2025) by Weifeng Han, Tianchong Wang, Yu Takizawa and Shane Pill has been published in and Languages - DOI: 10.3390/languages10090226