VR Environments for Autistic People & Drug Addicts

I just learned about research at Duke University by Dr. Zachary Rosenthal that focuses on helping crack addicts effectively complete rehab. The Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program at Duke is the first instance I've heard in which virtual environments are used to simulate real-life scenarios specifically for drug users. The website states that randomized clinical trials are under way; it will be interesting to see the preliminary results.

MSN has a great profile of Brigadoon, a virtual island in Second Life that allows people with Asperger's to hone communication and socialization skills. At the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas, therapists are pushing the virtual environment one step farther and actually integrating them into therapy. The Chronicle of Higher Education ran an article (subscription required) applications of virtual reality for autistic people that quotes Dr. Rosenthal as well as the Director of the Center for Brain Health, Dr. Sandra Chapman. Since one hallmark of Asperger's is an inability to read facial expressions or detect nonverbal context clues, therapists work with patients to role play and analyze social situations. With the therapist's help, the patient can gain insight into how they handled specific situations and discuss appropriate actions and reactions.

Chapman asserts that the premise of such therapeutic interventions is that the brain can rewire pathways with intensive, experience-based practice. Virtual worlds offer a safe space for people to gain this invaluable practice, as well as a forum for patient, therapist, family members, and friends to interact. Chapman points out that the early, formative years, as the brain is developing, are a crucial time to help rewire neurological pathways. Center for Brain Health participants undergo a series of testing both pre- and post- treatment, including brain imaging and neurocognitive testing. It's an exciting time for autism research, and I can't wait to see some brain imaging or effect size numbers.

Further Reading:
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2007/11/18-003.html