Dr. Nigel Newbutt
School
University College Dublin
Year
2013
Keywords
virtual worlds, autism, young people, education
Thesis Title
Exploring communication and representation of the self in a virtual world by young people with autism
Abstract
Virtual worlds offer unique opportunities for interpersonal communication through text, audio, gestures, and avatar-based expression. These environments allow users to interact in diverse ways and to represent themselves through customizable avatars, making them particularly relevant for supporting social interaction and communication. As a result, virtual and collaborative virtual environments have been increasingly explored as tools to support autistic individuals in developing social communication skills within safe and controlled settings.
This thesis reviews and builds on prior research in virtual environments and autism, examining debates, methodologies, and outcomes that have informed successful interventions. The empirical component of the research employed a case study design in which a virtual world (Second Life) was embedded within a classroom setting for autistic adolescents. The study involved eight autistic participants aged 15–16 and a comparison group of fifteen typically developing participants aged 18–21. The intervention spanned eight sessions over three months, with the researcher engaged with the school over a 12-month period to support virtual world design, setup, and session development. Structured social tasks (e.g., visiting virtual coffee shops, restaurants, and amusement spaces) were used alongside opportunities for open exploration and interaction.
Bio
Dr. Nigel Newbutt is an Assistant Professor of Advanced Learning Technologies and Director of the Emerging Technology Research Lab in the College of Education at the University of Florida. He is an award-winning, internationally recognized leader in the development of emerging technologies that advance access, inclusion, and meaningful participation for autistic and neurodivergent communities.
Dr. Newbutt’s research portfolio focuses on the design, evaluation, and responsible integration of immersive technologies, particularly virtual reality, for autistic groups. He is among the earliest scholars to systematically investigate VR head-mounted displays with autistic users, generating foundational insights that have shaped research, education, and industry practice worldwide. His current work advances the co-design of VR experiences in direct partnership with autistic people, ensuring that tools intended to support daily living, learning, and self-advocacy are informed by community priorities and lived experience. As an expert qualitative and mixed-methods researcher, he applies rigorous, community-informed approaches to capture the nuanced experiences, needs, and priorities of autistic individuals and their families.
Alongside his academic leadership, Nigel has a long-standing commitment to community engagement and social impact. He co-founded a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting autistic youth and their families, and he continues to collaborate closely with nonprofits, advocacy groups, and service organizations to advance equitable opportunities in education, employment, and independent living. His work integrates participatory methods, interdisciplinary innovation, and a deep partnership ethos, setting new standards for inclusive technology design across sectors.
