Using a virtual supermarket to promote independent functioning among adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The aim of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a meta-cognitive intervention program that uses virtual reality training (VAP-S) to improve the implementation of a shopping task among adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study included 56 adolescents aged 11-19 with ASD, of which 37 performed the intervention program while the remaining 25 formed a control group who continued with the regular therapeutic program. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention program, the outcome measures included diagnostic tools for evaluation of cognitive and meta-cognitive functions as well as a performance-based evaluation to assess the shopping task. The results show significant improvement of the intervention group compared to the control group in several indices, indicating great promise for intervention programs based on virtual technology for improving the independency and community participation among adolescents with ASD.