Using virtual reality to help children with autism improve sensory processing
Official title: Use of Immersive Virtual Reality to Train the Multisensory Processing Capacities of Children Aged 8 to 16 Years-old With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: Single-center Randomized Pilot Study in Parallel Groups - SEVIRE. (Sensory Virtual Reality)
Run by University Hospital, Tours · NCT05171244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether virtual reality experiences can help children with autism improve how they process different senses and adapt better to their surroundings.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Tours Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tours, Tours and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 3, 2022 |
| Main results expected | October 2027 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05171244 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 8 to 16 years with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder who do not have intellectual delays.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neuromotor disorders, uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, or those on specific medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the multisensory processing abilities of children aged 8 to 16 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through immersive virtual reality experiences. Participants will engage in virtual reality sessions designed to expose them to multimodal stimuli, helping them adapt to sensory challenges in their environment. The approach combines virtual reality training with usual care to address sensory modulation disorders that contribute to social adjustment difficulties. The study is conducted at a single center, the University Hospital in Tours.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve sensory processing and social adjustment in children with autism.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in therapeutic settings is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting sensory processing in children with autism is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child / adolescent aged 8 to 16 years, diagnosed with ASD (DSM-5, ADOS, ADI-R criteria). * Without intellectual delay (QNV\> 70, WISC-IV or V, WAIS-III or IV). * Benefiting from a treatment program at the University Center for Child Psychiatry (CHRU Bretonneau-Tours). * Schooled in the ordinary school context (primary school, middle school, high school, ULIS). * Having expressed their agreement to participate in the study. * Whose parents or legal representatives have signed written consent. * Whose parents or legal representatives are affiliated or beneficiaries of a social security scheme. Exclusion Criteria: * Neuromotor disorders. * Uncorrected visual disorders. * Hearing impairment. * Known epilepsy. * Anxiety syndromes identified. * Hyper ADD / H type activity. * Treatment with methylphenidate. - Rare genetic syndrome.
Where it's running
-
Le Centre universitaire de pédopsychiatrie
Tours, Tours, France Recruiting -
Pedopsychiatry, University Hospital, Tours
Tours, France Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Remi CLAIRE
- Email: r.claire@chu-tours.fr
- Phone: 02 47 47 88 47
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.