Realidade virtual com 0DoF no suporte ao desenvolvimento de crianças com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

This study investigates the application of Virtual Reality (VR) with a 0DoF architecture as a tool to support the development of social, cognitive, and emotional skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). VR enables the creation of controlled, predictable, and adaptable virtual environments, allowing children with ASD to practice social and emotional interactions in safe and structured contexts. The methodological choice of the 0DoF architecture is grounded in neurocognitive evidence related to sensory alterations present in ASD, aiming to reduce perceptual overload and increase experimental control. The research was conducted between May 2024 and February 2026 and was structured into three complementary stages: (i) a Systematic Literature Review aimed at mapping scientific evidence regarding the use of VR in the context of ASD; (ii) an exploratory study involving 130 participants, including parents, educators, and therapists, conducted through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with data collection carried out between November 3 and November 28, 2024, seeking to understand perceptions, expectations, and challenges related to the adoption of this technology; and (iii) the development and experimental application of a virtual environment called Island of Emotions, designed with a 0DoF architecture, prioritizing environmental predictability and reducing sensorimotor variability. The results were analyzed through descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative thematic analysis. The findings indicate that VR, when structured in a controlled and adaptive manner, promotes engagement, contributes to emotional regulation, and stimulates the acquisition of social skills, while also reinforcing its potential as a complementary tool in therapeutic and educational contexts. Challenges related to technological accessibility, professional training, and the personalization of interventions were also identified, highlighting the importance of aligning theoretical foundations, technological architecture, and the sensory needs of the target population.