Using virtual reality to help children with ADHD improve their social skills
Official title: Developing virtual reality programs to address social skills deficits in youth with ADHD
Funded at Openmindxr LLC · NIH-11186175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Openmindxr LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carmel, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $449,729 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MH140643-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11186175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with ADHD who struggle with social skills.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have ADHD or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Openmindxr LLC
Carmel, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Kevin — Openmindxr LLC
- Study coordinator: Miller, Kevin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.