How VR Is Helping Kids with Autism & Down Syndrome

In this issue
🥽 How VR is helping kids 🤖 Robotic arm for eating📱Remote communication device 🔍 On our radar

ADAPTIVE LIFESTYLE

How VR Is Helping Kids with Autism & Down Syndrome

At the Kennedy Krieger Institute, therapists are using virtual reality to help kids with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities practice real-world situations before they have to face them.

We’re talking about things like:

• Crossing the street
• Ordering food
• Navigating busy environments

The kinds of situations that can quickly become overwhelming—especially when there’s noise, pressure, or too many variables at once.

VR gives them a way to slow that down.

Same scenario, repeated as many times as needed. No consequences if something goes wrong. A chance to build familiarity before stepping into the real version.

For individuals with Down syndrome and autism, that repetition and predictability is huge. It’s not just about learning what to do—it’s about feeling ready enough to actually do it.

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TOOLS & TECH

A Robotic Arm That Helps People Eat Independently

Eating is one of those everyday tasks that can quietly require a lot of support. Obi is designed to change that—giving people a way to feed themselves with minimal assistance.

• Scoops and delivers food with the press of a button
• Works with simple controls (including adaptive switches)
• Helps reduce reliance on caregivers during meals
• Designed for real home use—not clinical settings

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YOU ASKED: QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Document Reader App

Q: Is there an app that can read text or documents aloud and let the user control pacing—like advancing word-by-word or slowing things down in real time?

A: There isn’t a single app that we know of yet that combines document reading, full speed control, and true word-by-word advancement in one clean solution—but a few tools come close and are worth trying.

​Speechify is one of the best all-around options. It can read PDFs, documents, and webpages, offers highly adjustable playback speed, and highlights text as it reads, which helps with tracking.

​NaturalReader provides similar functionality with strong visual highlighting and slower pacing options that can make comprehension easier.

For a free built-in option, Apple Spoken Content allows users to have text read aloud with adjustable speed and word highlighting directly on iPhones and iPads.

None of these offer a true “press to advance word-by-word” feature, but combining text highlighting with pause/play or external switch controls can approximate that experience. For now, users typically need to choose the tool that best fits their priorities—either flexibility, simplicity, or visual tracking—while the market continues to move toward more customizable reading control.

CAREGIVER CORNER

A Simple Way for Families to Stay Connected and In Sync

Supporting someone with a developmental disability often means juggling routines, reminders, and communication. Claris Companion is designed to make that easier—for both the individual and their family.

• Central hub for routines, reminders, and daily structure
• Family members can update schedules and content remotely
• Simple, visual interface designed for cognitive accessibility
• Built-in messaging and check-ins for ongoing support

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NEW TECH

On Our Radar

​Glidance Glide: A new kind of mobility device that uses AI and sensors to actively guide users through real-world environments. Instead of just detecting obstacles, it helps navigate around them—pointing toward a more assisted, less reactive way to move through daily life.

​Mightier: A biofeedback gaming system that helps kids with autism, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities learn emotional regulation. It uses heart rate data to teach calming techniques—while they’re playing.

​Sensi.AI: An AI platform that listens for patterns in the home—detecting distress, agitation, or changes in routine without cameras or wearables. A more passive, privacy-first approach to safety and support.

FEATURED GUIDE

Adaptive Gaming Controllers

Adaptive gaming controllers offer unique features that allow people with disabilities to enjoy video games on just about any platform, from PlayStation and Xbox consoles to Nintendo and PC systems.

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Here are 25 adaptive gaming controller options to consider – plus resources to help you find the best adaptive gaming controllers for you (or your loved ones).

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