From Technical Tools to Ecological Support Platforms: A Qualitative Study on the Development Needs of MR Rehabilitation Systems for Children with Autism

Abstract

Objective To gain an in-depth understanding of the needs of children with autism for developing executive function rehabilitation systems based on embodied interaction and mixed reality (MR) technology, thereby providing a basis for developing the corresponding MR-based rehabilitation system. Methods From April 2025 to August 2025, using purposive sampling and following the principle of maximum variation, we selected as interview subjects pediatric doctors and nurses, child psychiatry doctors and nurses, rehabilitation therapists, psychological counselors, special education professionals, and primary caregivers of children with ASD who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from 13 institutions in China. Face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. Results The study identified a total of 4 primary themes and 14 secondary themes from the semi-structured interviews regarding the functional vision and innovation expectations of a clinically practice-driven MR rehabilitation training system for autism. The four primary themes are: the dual-track stance of MR system innovation empowerment and cautious adaptation; functional demands and strategic vision for the development of the MR floor screen system; comprehensive whole-process, full-cycle, and whole-system management of autism rehabilitation; and challenges and difficulties in the operation and maintenance of the MR floor screen system. Conclusions On the basis of virtual technology, such systems should be designed to enhance—rather than replace—the critical role of professional practitioners, thereby synergizing technological immersion with human expertise to achieve optimal rehabilitation outcomes.