AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
Virtual technology is helping teenagers with autism learn how to drive.
Dr. Amy Weitlauf, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center says, "For most of us driving is key to being able to achieving our goals."
That's why this team of engineers at Vanderbilt University created a virtual reality simulator to help teens with autism get comfortable behind the wheel.
Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University says, "They can learn basic driving skills in the safety of a room, and they don't have to go on the road."
The simulator provides a virtual world of roads, highways, school zones and more, taking into account the unique needs of each driver.
Dr. Sarkar says, "Many of these individuals feel very anxious, and they also have a different gaze pattern."
The driver is fitted with sensors to track where they're looking and to measure their stress level.
Dr. Sarkar says, "We monitor their heart rate, we monitor their skin sweating."
Then the technology gives feedback in real time. Harper says the experience was fun and helpful.
Harper Kates says, "I wouldn't say it's a perfect representation of real driving but it's pretty close."
Jennifer Kates, Harper's mom says,"We have a lot of activities going on so it will be nice to have another driver in the house."
Not quite on the road yet, but giving teens with autism the boost they need to becoming safe drivers. Right now the driving simulator is only being used for research. But the experts hope to soon make it available for parents of children with autism.
Source: Technology helping teenagers with autism learn how to drive
Virtual technology is helping teenagers with autism learn how to drive.
Dr. Amy Weitlauf, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center says, "For most of us driving is key to being able to achieving our goals."
That's why this team of engineers at Vanderbilt University created a virtual reality simulator to help teens with autism get comfortable behind the wheel.
Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University says, "They can learn basic driving skills in the safety of a room, and they don't have to go on the road."
The simulator provides a virtual world of roads, highways, school zones and more, taking into account the unique needs of each driver.
Dr. Sarkar says, "Many of these individuals feel very anxious, and they also have a different gaze pattern."
The driver is fitted with sensors to track where they're looking and to measure their stress level.
Dr. Sarkar says, "We monitor their heart rate, we monitor their skin sweating."
Then the technology gives feedback in real time. Harper says the experience was fun and helpful.
Harper Kates says, "I wouldn't say it's a perfect representation of real driving but it's pretty close."
Jennifer Kates, Harper's mom says,"We have a lot of activities going on so it will be nice to have another driver in the house."
Not quite on the road yet, but giving teens with autism the boost they need to becoming safe drivers. Right now the driving simulator is only being used for research. But the experts hope to soon make it available for parents of children with autism.
Source: Technology helping teenagers with autism learn how to drive
