Gamified Therapy for ASD
Children deserve the best health care, but sometimes finding that care can be difficult. Lengthy face-to-face appointments can be exhausting. Travel to and from therapy can be exhausting and expensive. Yet, the right treatment can make a profound difference for your child.
Physiotherapy can improve balance and coordination, assist in the development of functional motor skills, increase strength and general fitness, and enhance brain function and memory. Early intervention can promote motor development and provide workarounds for motor skill disturbances. Importantly, specific “play” teaches your child to be comfortable and confident in their body. This leads to lifelong benefits.
Psychology aims to shape behaviour in ways that support your childs lived experience. To encourage a happier, healthier self. Approaches include identifying specific thoughts, emotions and behavioural patterns that are helpful; then encouraging regular practice. This may decrease moments of stress, relieve anxiety and depression, boost confidence and communication in social settings along with supporting behavioural and emotional regulation.
At XRHealth, they believe the incredible benefits delivered by in-clinic physiotherapy and psychology can be better tailored to autistic children. Their APRHA-registered practitioners harness the power of virtual reality (VR) and telehealth to deliver expert care in the comfort and safety of home.
Therapy with XRHealth begins with an initial assessment where one of their health care professionals discuss your needs and determine your suitability for VR therapy in a live-video appointment. A VR headset is then sent out for use for the duration of the treatment program.
The XRHealth VR Headset is TGA registered and comes loaded with a suite of applications that have been designed specifically for therapeutic use. These applications include physically active games that have you swiping at balloons and punching colored balls. While you’re having fun, the VR is also measuring your smoothness of motion and more. These measurements assist with informing the therapy program and progress. Each application’s intensity level can be adjusted to tailor the program as you progress ensuring the right level of challenge.
Also included are a number of applications for relaxation and guided meditation. These applications range from immersive experiences that will have you swimming in the ocean or summiting Mount Everest through to guided breathing exercises and visualisation. These applications can be helpful in combination with talk therapy as they allow breaks from verbal interaction, reducing the risk of overstimulation.
XRHealth also provides the opportunity for group sessions run by an experienced physiotherapist. In these sessions participants use a VR headset to participate in group activities with others of similar ages, interests and physical abilities. Sessions are a fun way to get participants moving, while promoting social interaction, team bonding, listening and instruction following.
Find out more at xrhealth.com.au
