The room that cures children of phobias
HARRY WHO WAS SCARED OF DOGS NOW HAS HIS OWN PET
SCHOOLBOY Harry Mainwaring used to live in fear of coming into contact with dogs. The autistic youngster would fly into a state of panic and hysteria if a four-legged friend approached him or was even within his vicinity. But now the 11-year-old, from the Tyne Valley, has a dog of his own and can happily pet any dog he sees without fear or anxiety. Harry was part of the Blue Room study – an immersive virtual reality room that helps children with autism overcome their phobias.
The Newcastle University team created a personalised 360-degree environment involving dogs and different situations that Harry may encounter them, such as a street or beach. He responded well to the visual therapy and, three years on, has no fear of dogs and adores his pet terrier.
Harry’s story comes as newly-published research revealed the Blue Room helped nearly 45% of children with autism remain free from their fears and phobias six months after treatment.
And a separate study has also shown for the first time that the treatment works for some autistic adults.
It is thought phobias affect around 25% of children with autism. In the trial phobias included travelling on public transport, school classrooms, dogs and balloons.
Accompanied by a psychologist, the 32 children underwent four sessions in a week involving a personalised scenario in the Blue Room. Parents were able to watch the treatment
via a video link.
Within this virtual environment, developed by specialists at Newcastle University working alongside innovative technology firm Third Eye NeuroTech, the child can comfortably investigate and navigate through various scenarios working with a therapist using iPad controls but remain in full control of the situation.
After receiving the treatment and with the support of their parents, the children were then introduced to the scenario in the real world. Two weeks after treatment, the research shows that four of the first 16 (25%) had responded to treatment and were able to cope with a specific phobia.
This effect remained with a total of six showing improvement after six months (38%), however, one reported a worsening of their phobia. Meanwhile, in the control group, five untreated participants had become worse in the six months. The control group went on to be treated in the Blue Room after this time. Results showed that overall 40% of children treated showed improvement at two weeks, and 45% at six months.
“For many children and their families, anxiety can rule their lives as they try to avoid the situations which can trigger their child’s fears or phobia,” said Professor Jeremy Parr, who led the study. “To be able to offer an NHS treatment that works, and see the children do so well, offers hope to families who have very few treatment options for anxiety available to them.”
Harry’s mother Lizzie, 43, said: “Harry was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and his main fear was dogs, which was problematic for him and the family. As soon as Harry saw a dog he would become hysterical, screaming and running away. This was very dangerous as he would not look at where he was running, even if it was on to a road, as he just wanted to be nowhere near the animal.
“If we went to friends’ houses they would have to lock their dogs away and it was incredibly difficult to go to the beach as dogs are everywhere there. Harry had just turned eight when he was part of the Blue Room study. He had a total of four sessions and the results have been fantastic – in fact, they’ve been life-changing. “It is amazing to see how Harry now is with dogs. He loves our dog and whenever he sees others he’s happy if they approach him and he’ll stroke them.”