Immersive rooms installed to improve the treatment of autism

The TIC Salut Social Foundation has purchased and delivered the necessary material to equip a technological immersion room and an immersive virtual environment for the GURU Foundation and the Sant Francesc d’Assís Foundation, respectively. The new facilities will make it possible to carry out the project led by the TIC Salut Social Foundation with the two social entities and the UOC eHealth Centre, to assess whether the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can improve the treatment and quality of life of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Material delivered

Last February, the GURU Foundation received the necessary equipment to equip the technological immersion room: a stimulation seat to provide controlled sensory stimulation; the construction and programming devices to acquire and consolidate social skills; digital tablets to carry out the intervention in all development contexts; and an interactive touch board to facilitate information visualization, controlled interaction, communication support and controlled sensory stimulation for people with ASD.

On the other hand, the Sant Francesc d’Assís Foundation has, since the end of January, a new 360-degree projector that will provide users with an enveloping and multi-sensory experience. Through the combination of 3D graphics, sound, videos of real and simulated environments, motion tracking and display devices, users will be able to work on aspects such as psycho-stimulation, neuro-rehabilitation, relaxation and even physical activity.

New methodological tool

The project will focus on developing a methodological tool aimed at helping teams of professionals to select the most appropriate technologies to integrate them into the treatment processes of people with autism. The main goal is that this technological solution contributes to improving various aspects of the lives of people with autism grade II and III, including autonomy, cognitive stimulation, communication skills and emotional and behavioural self-regulation strategies.

The pilot test will take place at the facilities of the Sant Francesc d’Assís Foundation and the GURU Foundation. The UOC eHealth Centre will participate in the design and evaluation of the project, providing methodological advice.

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