Improving relational abilities of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: the «Cooperative Wii» protocol
Vania Veroni, Roberto Ravera, Francesca Loffredo, Valentina Boeri, Martina Magaglio, Sonia Boria
In this paper we summarise current data about the role of the mirror mechanism in the etiopathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Current knowledge about this neurophysiological mechanism may be helpful in better understanding the effectiveness of well-known habilitative approaches. We also propose a summary of literature about the usefulness of virtual reality in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disease, in particular of ASD. Relying on these theoretical assumptions, we created an experimental treatment protocol: «Cooperative Wii», which involves the use of cooperative games selected from «Wii Party» for software Nintendo Wii®, aimed at strengthening social and relational skills. The results of a pilot study, carried out on a pair of children with ASD, are presented and discussed. Finally, we propose some insights about how to improve the protocol in the future.
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorders, virtual reality, mirror mechanism, rehabilitation, Nintendo Wii®.