Virtual Reality-Based Nature Exposure Enhances Family Resilience in Autism Caregivers: Preliminary Investigation

Purpose: To examine acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a virtual reality (VR)-based nature exposure intervention for caregivers of autistic children. Method: A single-arm quasi-experimental mixed-methods pilot study enrolled 28 primary caregivers. We collected quantitative measures of caregiver-reported family resilience, affect, and nature connectedness at three time-points, alongside semistructured qualitative interviews. Results: Feasibility and acceptability were excellent with full retention and high satisfaction. Caregiver-reported family resilience improved at 1-month follow-up; social-resource utilization and family communication showed gains. Negative affect reduced postintervention but rebounded at follow-up, while positive affect remained stable. Qualitative data supported partial quantitative patterns. Discussion: This low-burden VR–nature intervention is feasible for autism caregivers and offers exploratory evidence for enhancing caregiver-reported family resilience in community social work settings.