Realidad virtual: Un aporte real para la evaluación y el tratamiento de personas con discapacidad intelectual

Abstract

Virtual Reality is a particular computational simulation which allows recreating real environments where the subject is able to interact and live the experience as it were in a real setting. This article presents the principal applications of this technology in the design of environments for assessment and intervention of intellectually disabled persons, focusing in the advantages of Virtual Reality for neuropsychology in general and this population in particular. Moreover, environment design features and data device are analyzed as variables which could condition the intervention effectiveness. At the same time, it is remarked that some ethic aspects must be considered in the application of this technology. Finally, the contributions and limitation of the application of Virtual Reality in the intellectual disability field are considered and other áreas of potential development are suggested. © 2009 Sociedad Chilena de Psicología Clínica.