Using virtual reality to help children with ADHD improve their social skills

Developing virtual reality programs to address social skills deficits in youth with ADHD

NIH-funded research Openmindxr LLC · NIH-11186175

This study is testing fun virtual reality programs that help kids with ADHD practice and improve their social skills in a safe and engaging way, making it easier for families to support their learning.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOpenmindxr LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Carmel, United States)
Project IDNIH-11186175 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop virtual reality (VR) programs that help children with ADHD enhance their social skills. By creating immersive environments, children can engage in social interactions and practice skills in a controlled setting. The program includes various modules that allow users to experience interactions from different perspectives, helping them understand social cues and improve empathy. This approach is designed to be accessible and engaging, making it easier for families to incorporate social skills training into their daily lives.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with ADHD who struggle with social skills.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have ADHD or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide children with ADHD a new, effective way to develop essential social skills, leading to better interactions and relationships.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using virtual reality for social skills training, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Carmel, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.