Usability and Preferences for Controller-Based and Hand-Tracking Virtual Reality Interfaces Among Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study examines the feasibility and usability of virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) operated independently by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Five participants used both controller-based and hand-tracking interfaces in an immersive VR environment and completed four motor tasks after tutorial-based instruction. A randomized alternating-treatments comparison was used to examine latency, error frequency, and prompts across conditions, and qualitative feedback was gathered through social validity interviews. Participants consistently performed faster and with fewer errors when using controllers, although hand-tracking performance improved with repeated exposure. All participants learned to use both interfaces, suggesting that VR HMDs can be accessible for adolescents with ASD when instruction is clearly structured. Participants generally preferred controllers because they were easier to use and more reliable. These findings support the potential of VR for educational and therapeutic applications for adolescents with ASD and underscore the importance of interface design in promoting user autonomy and engagement.