The Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) is an innovative tool for motor and cognitive rehabilitation that has shown promising results in developmental populations, with evidence of feasibility, safety, acceptability, and positive effects on attention, executive functions, and learning-related processes. Its playful and motivating features, together with the possibility of tailoring task difficulty and delivering intensive training in a controlled environment, make VRRS a promising intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who frequently present weaknesses in visual attention, executive functioning, and visuospatial memory. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a VRRS-based cognitive training program in improving visual attention, executive functions, and visuospatial memory in children with ASD, compared with an active control intervention based on conventional cognitive training. Children aged 4 to 6 years 11 months with ASD, non-verbal IQ \>70, and no severe neurological or sensory comorbidities will be enrolled and randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The intervention will consist of two 45-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks. VRRS training will include individualized tasks targeting the selected cognitive domains, with adjustable difficulty, execution time, and repetitions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1). At baseline, non-verbal cognitive functioning will be assessed using Leiter International Performance Scale, Third Edition (LEITER-3), while attention, executive functions, and visuospatial memory will be measured using Preschool Executive Functions Assessment Battery (FE-PS), LEITER-3 attention and memory tasks, Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment - Second Edition (NEPSY-II) (Memory for Designs), and Behavior rating inventory of executive function-preschool version (BRIEF-P). The same battery will be repeated after training to compare pre- and post-intervention scores and estimate the relative efficacy of the two approaches. It is hypothesized that children receiving VRRS-based training will show greater improvements in the targeted cognitive functions than those receiving conventional training, supporting the clinical utility of virtual reality as an effective and engaging rehabilitation approach for children with ASD.
Age range
4 Years – 6 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Leiter International Performance Scale, Third Edition (LEITER 3)
Timeframe: The evaluation session will be scheduled at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of the intervention. The test needs approximately 20-45 minutes to complete.
Preschool Executive Functions Assessment Battery (FE-PS 2-6)
Timeframe: The evaluation session will be scheduled at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of the intervention. The test needs approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.
Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment - Second Edition (NEPSY-II)
Timeframe: The evaluation session will be scheduled at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of the intervention. The test needs approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
Behavior rating inventory of executive function-preschool version (BRIEF-P)
Timeframe: The evaluation sessions will be scheduled pre/post intervention (T0-T1). The test needs approximately 20 minutes to administer.