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Neurodiversity is a term that encapsulates the diverse expression of human neurology. By thinking in broad terms about neurological development, we can become focused on delivering a diverse set of design features to meet the needs of the human condition. In this work, we move toward developing virtual environments that support variations in sensory processing. If we understand that people have differences in sensory perception that result in their own unique sensory traits, many of which are clustered by diagnostic labels such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Rett syndrome, dyslexia, and so on, then we can leverage that knowledge to create new input modalities for accessible and assistive technologies. In an effort to translate differences in sensory perception into new variations of input modalities, we focus this work on ASD. ASD has been characterized by a complex sensory signature that can impact social, cognitive, and communication skills. By providing assistance for these diverse sensory perceptual abilities, we create an opportunity to improve the interactions people have with technology and the world. In this paper, we describe, through a variety of examples, the ways to address sensory differences to support neurologically diverse individuals by leveraging advances in virtual reality.
Key words: Neurodiversity; Neurological development; Assistive technology; Sensory integration; Autism spectrum disorder
INTRODUCTION
Neurodiversity is a term that encapsulates the diverse expression of human neurological development, which results in a wide variety of sensory perceptual abilities. Many of these unique sensory traits are clustered by diagnostic labels, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Rett syndrome, dyslexia, and so on. In an effort to translate differences in sensory perception into new variations of input modalities, we focus this work on ASD. The Neurodiversity Movement formed specifically to reshape how ASD is perceived (1). Instead of identifying ASD by negative characteristics, Sinclair (2) and other advocates argue it should be thought of as part of the continuum of human experience. This has important implications not only for those living with ASD but for people with other neuro-divergent conditions that would benefit from technologists expanding the ways that information is transmitted through technology. In fact, many people in our society could benefit from the translational work of applying...