SEFIT
The problem of too many stimuli in autistic people
Type of project: Feasibility study
Disability concerned: Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Topics: Participation in cultural life, sports and leisure activities
Status: In progress
This project aims to develop exposure therapies using virtual reality for people with a weak stimulation filter.
The project is aimed at autistic people known as Asperger’s according to ICD-10, i.e. high-functioning autistic people. This involves a weakness in the stimulation filter, leading to stimulus overload. Stress, fatigue, overload and panic attacks can follow. People with a weak stimulation filter are not properly integrated into society. Crowds, demonstrations and public transport are a problem for these people.
Therapists recommend exposure therapy. But no therapist actually takes part, because travel and time are a problem. With virtual reality and recorded everyday situations, we are making this possible. So far, only 3D computer-generated scenes have been used, not filmed ones. But it’s precisely these details that are important for the weakness of the stimulation filter. We are also combining this with an application, gamification and a digital biomarker.
The research should enable people to broaden their own horizons with regard to the weakness of the stimulation filter and to prepare interview questions.
We want to enable individuals to participate more fully in social events with their family and friends by treating their sensory hypersensitivity, which prevents them from being fully integrated.
