DIVERSE was developed as an alternative social learning experience for preteens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a ground-breaking new addition to the traditional social skills programs that are currently available. DIVERSE utilises both virtual reality experiential activities, paired with guided pre- and post-lesson engagement activities to be facilitated by a supervising adult. DIVERSE aims to teach social skills to autistic children in order to improve their everyday social experiences.
To use DIVERSE you will need a smartphone, Meta Oculus headset, WIFI, an indoor space with little to no object interference, and one supervising adult (parent/gaurdian/therapist/other responsible adult). The headset app and the smartphone app have been designed to work in unison, to give the therapist/guardian full visibility of what the headset wearer is seeing and doing whilst in the DIVERSE App.
The DIVERSE modules have been designed for children aged between 7-12 years.
DIVERSE explores basic communication skills including how to start and end conversations, how to identify interest areas, how to choose and make friends, and how to manage social conflicts such as injustice/unfairness in games.
Time lengths vary for each lesson depending upon the depth of pre/post lesson engagement. As a rough guide, allow for approx. 10-25 minutes to complete a module in entirity.
The Neurodiverse Network plans to expand upon the DIVERSE prototype and replicate similar virtual reality products for teenagers and adults. Future projects will aim to build skills for relationships, employment, life admin tasks, and much more.
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