Virtual Reality Treatment is for specific phobias (i.e. a marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation that impacts on functioning) in 7-17 year olds with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and average ability. The treatment is modified cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) delivered by a healthcare professional within an innovative immersive virtual reality setting.

A detailed assessment of the young person’s specific phobia is completed to help shape their virtual reality treatment plan. After an initial telephone or online meeting, we arrange a home visit or clinic appointment to discuss their needs in more depth and plan the next steps.

During this session, we focus on helping the young person understand their emotions and identify which treatment strategies are most likely to work well for them.

Treatment 

Treatment involves four personalised sessions, following an initial meeting with the clinical team and the healthcare professional who will be leading the intervention.

During treatment, the young person sits in a virtual reality room with a therapist. Images projected onto a 180-degree curved screen recreate situations linked to their specific phobia.

The healthcare professional guides the young person through cognitive and behavioural strategies to help them manage their anxiety. Parents and carers can observe from a separate room, allowing them to learn the strategies and see how the therapist puts them into practice.

Virtual Reality treatment is led by:

• Dr Victoria Grahame, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
• Dr Laura Tavernor, Senior Clinical Psychologist
• Barry Morgan, Team Coordinator

The multidisciplinary team that assists with the delivery of virtual reality treatment includes:

• Clinical Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists
• Nurse Specialists in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 
• Administrative staff

Young people with a clinical diagnosis of ASD; aged 7-17 years (under 18 years) with a specific phobia; who are able to understand and use sentence level speech.

We will be happy to discuss any questions about eligibility for treatment via CNDS. Young people open to Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust should access treatment through their local Children and Young People's service (CYPS). 

Referrals are accepted from across the United Kingdom. 

Referrals should be from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services or Child Health/Paediatric Services, or General Practitioners.

There is a cost of £3,500. for the Virtual Reality Treatment – this cost must be funded through a local source – for example, local commissioners.

Referrals are accepted by post or secure email using our virtual reality referral form 

Telephone enquiries are welcomed before referral.

Once a referral has been accepted, our finance department will contact the young person’s local clinical commissioning group (or equivalent) to arrange payment for the treatment.

Referrals must include:

• Completed Virtual Reality CNDS referral form. 

• Information about the young person’s specific phobia, including:

  • the situations that trigger anxiety

  • how often these occur

  • the impact on the child and family

• A summary of current diagnoses and/or clinical formulation

Telephone: 0191 287 5260

Email: CNDSAdmin@cntw.nhs.uk

Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service (CNDS), Walkergate Park, Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4QD.