Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a crucial tool in diagnosing and rehabilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. These systems combine VR technology with eye-tracking sensors to monitor and analyze eye movement patterns, which provide valuable insights into neurological and cognitive functions. Eye-tracking technology alone can also measure how a person’s gaze moves, how long they focus on certain objects, and the speed of their eye movements. This data can help diagnose conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental or neurological challenges, offering a non-invasive, objective approach to understanding the patient’s behavior and cognitive state.

Serious games—interactive, game-based programs designed for therapeutic or educational purposes—are often integrated with VR eye-trackers for rehabilitation. These games create immersive, controlled environments where patients can engage in activities that encourage cognitive, motor, and social skills development.  Alone but also in possible combination of eye-tracking and serious gaming provides a dynamic, patient-centered approach to neurodevelopmental or other neurological disorders rehabilitation, making therapy more engaging and effective, while also providing real-time data for clinicians.

Invitation for contributions

In the Special Thematic Session Advancing Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Role of Virtual Reality, Eye-Tracking, and Serious Games we welcome presentations addressing the issue of the use of new and emerging technologies as diagnostic tools. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• VR used as diagnostic tool
• Eye-tracker used as diagnostic tool
• VR combined with eye-tracking method
• VR and serious games in rehabilitation and education

Chairs

Renata Cserjesi, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary, cserjesi.renata@ppk.elte.hu

Aneta M. Kochanowicz, Department of Education, WSB University, Poland, akochanowicz@wsb.edu.pl

Cecilia Sik-Lanyi, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, University of Pannonia, Veszprem, Hungary, lanyi.cecilia@mik.uni-pannon.hu