Virtual Worlds Help Asperger Patients

At the UT Dallas Center for Brain Health some patients with Asperger's syndrome are using virtual worlds to help acclimate them to the real world. Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, is described by symptoms like a lack of demonstrated empathy, which causes some difficulties in social interaction. The cause for Asperger's is unknown, but one common treatment is simply to provide a controlled space to practice interactions. The researches at UT Dallas argue that a virtual world filled with shops and businesses offers the ultimate control. "Unlike other models of intervention, virtual world experiences provide a powerful way to learn new and more appropriate ways to respond to people in scenarios similar to those faced everyday," said Dr. Sandra Chapman, director of the Center for Brain Health.

"Our research in brain discoveries tells us that the brain can rewire its pathways with intensive practice grounded in experience – not by learning rules of how to interact – which has been the most common therapy practice heretofore," Chapman continued.  "These young adults have the advantage of an intensive, interactive therapy to deal with problems they encounter everyday but in a safe setting to practice their social skills."

The young adults in question also receive one-on-one help, but in the virtual world avatars are gradually introduced to provide a more and more complex setting.

Linden Lab has been working with Asperger patients for some time, and several prominent Second Lifers like Linden Lab Community Team's Torley Linden and blogger Tateru Nino have Asperger's as well.