Is Virtual Reality accepted as part of interventions for children with attention deficits? Results from a feasibility and acceptability study

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. It is evidently known that it significantly affects children’s school, social and family life making it essential for them and their parents to receive specialized supportive services. Virtual reality (VR) technology has been applied lately as part of intervention programs for children with ADHD specifically for training of the executive function, namely, attention. The main aim of this study, which is part of the European funded project “Neo-PRISM-C: Neurodevelopmental Optimal-Predictors, Risk factors, and Intervention from a Systems approach to Maladjustment in Children” (Horizon2020- Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN program), is the implementation of a multimodal intervention program for children with attention deficits and their parents utilizing the potentials of VR technology as part of the program. Prior to the implementation of the intervention program, which is called “Child ViReal Support program” (Eiko-Stirixi and child program), a feasibility and acceptability study will be conducted between December 2021-January 2022 aiming to measure the opinions and views of children, parents and facilitators of the intervention regarding the program and the VR technology respectively. The study includes 5 children 9-12 years old with ADHD and their parents. Children test the VR tasks and complete questionnaires for the quality, usability, and acceptability of VR technology and of the virtual tasks that have been scheduled for training attention. Facilitators will also complete questionnaires regarding the VR equipment and tasks. It is expected that children will evaluate positively the usage of VR technology and VR tasks, hence they will support the continuation of its implementation. Furthermore, the results provide valuable feedback for proceeding to all necessary alterations and adjustments, intending to increase VR tasks’ feasibility and sustainability.