EXPLORING IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR ROLE IN ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY AMONG AUTISTIC ADOLESCENTS THROUGH A CASE STUDY APPROACH

The integration of immersive technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and the Metaverse, has the potential to significantly improve accessibility and promote the development of social skills in autistic individuals. This review brings together key findings from important studies, exploring how virtual reality, augmented reality, and other immersive technologies are being thoughtfully designed and utilized to support autistic individuals. These technologies provide safe and engaging environments where autistic individuals can practice real-world social interactions, improve cognitive flexibility, and develop creative problem-solving skills. By exploring advancements in immersive platforms, this paper highlights their potential to enrich social skills, provide personalized learning experiences, and promote inclusive design. The metaverse emerges as a powerful tool to foster meaningful social connections, ease sensory challenges, and empower autistic individuals toward greater independence. The usefulness of these technologies is demonstrated through case studies showcasing the successful implementation of virtual environments and participatory design involving autistic individuals. Despite these advancements, challenges such as ethical considerations, usability barriers, and financial feasibility remain significant. This paper provides actionable insights and outlines future research directions to ensure that immersive technologies become a sustainable and inclusive approach for improving accessibility and enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals.