Effectiveness of virtual reality interventions for enhancing assertiveness and conflict resolution in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review

This scoping review analyzes the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions in improving assertiveness and conflict resolution in adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and emotion regulation, which can impact assertiveness and interpersonal relationships. Traditional training methods may not be entirely effective due to differences in cognitive and emotional processing in individuals with ASD. VR has emerged as a promising alternative, providing immersive and controlled environments where individuals can safely and repeatedly practice social skills. This review follows PRISMA guidelines and analyzes studies published between 2015 and 2024 in databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. We include a total of 15 studies evaluating VR interventions aimed at improving assertiveness, emotional recognition, and social adaptation in individuals with ASD. The findings indicate that VR significantly enhances assertiveness, emotional expression, and social reciprocity. Immersive VR environments demonstrate greater effectiveness in the generalization of skills to real-world settings, although challenges in implementation remain, such as accessibility and adaptation to different profiles within the autism spectrum. Larger-scale studies are recommended to assess longterm effectiveness and explore the integration of VR with other intervention strategies.