Using Virtual Reality to Drive Social Inclusion for Children on the Autism Spectrum in West Africa

Abstract

There is significant stigma associated with neurodiversity across the globe. In addition, education for children with learning disorders is severely under-resourced in West Africa. This work-in-progress paper describes how we are using virtual (VR) to create an engaged, informed community about autism spectrum disorders and the importance of appropriate, compassionate education for every child. Focusing on parents, teachers and healthcare workers, we used a 2-minute 360 film created by the National Autistic Society UK, from the perspective of a child with autism experiencing sensory overload to educate and sensitise the population to the impact of sensory overload. We reached over 1,000 school teachers, medical staff, family and friends in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Accra. We found people were willing to engage with the experience, and teachers expressed increased curiosity and acceptance of children with autism. By bringing the reality of lived experiences of marginalised groups to the public, we are using VR as a tool for social inclusion.