Zach WeinersmithOct 10, 2024

So, our autistic 7 year old (mostly non-verbal) rarely plays with any particular thing for a long time, but the teachers at school put him in a VR set and he watched water for 45+ minutes.

We're thinking of getting one for his birthday. He hardly wants anything, so it'd be nice to do something special. Any recommendations? Thinking a meta quest 2?

Show threadZach WeinersmithOct 10, 2024
I don't think he generally understands or cares about the gaming aspects of things, so we're more interested in open worlds, especially aquatic ones, that he could get immersed in.
Show threadZach WeinersmithOct 10, 2024
Also not concerned about movement because the little God runs around the world 24 hours a day. He had a six pack at age five. He can do situps from a hanging position.
Show threadtimOct 10, 2024

@ZachWeinersmith I have one of those and it's incredible to watch. 11 year old who can do muscle ups and a standing backflip.

Meanwhile I'm working on being able to bend over and touch my toes.

Show threadZach WeinersmithOct 10, 2024
@timrice Yeah! My theory is it's something to do with:
1) enjoyment of physicality
2) diminished pain response (so he can go when others would quit)
3) diminished fear response, so he's cool trying stuff my older kid *never* would.
Show threadM.S. Bellows, Jr.Oct 10, 2024
@ZachWeinersmith @timrice Is he safe around water? I'd hate to see him fall in love with aquatic universes then fearlessly slip into a pond not knowing how to swim.
Show threadZach WeinersmithOct 10, 2024
@msbellows @timrice Yes, he's an excellent swimmer!
Show threadM.S. Bellows, Jr.
@ZachWeinersmith @timrice Then, joy!
Oct 10, 2024 at 5:25pmWeb