As an ambulatory supervisor at Kop-Zorg in Alkmaar, Dmitri Hazes knows better than anyone how important independence is for young people with autism. And public transport (OV) happens to be one of the hurdles that many of them experience. Fortunately, there's Virtual OV, a virtual learning platform that makes Dmitri's work much more enjoyable and effective.
Kop-Zorg, and specifically the 'Autstekend' division for young people up to 18 years old, offers a safe haven where young people with autism and/or AD(H)D can find tailored support. Dmitri currently guides 16 young people, each with their own questions and needs. From social skills training to dealing with schoolwork, Dmitri is ready with a listening ear and practical tips.
But what about public transport? "Many young people find it exciting to travel independently by train for the first time," Dmitri explains. "There's also a lot involved: buying tickets, checking in and out, finding the right platforms, and so on. Virtual OV is really a great solution in this case."
Enthusiasm all around
Dmitri, an enthusiastic gamer himself, introduced Virtual OV at Kop-Zorg and regularly helps his colleagues with the setup. "The gaming aspect really appeals to our target group," he says enthusiastically. "Some even come purely to try the game, separate from practicing with public transport. And as long as they're enjoying themselves and laughing, that's already very valuable in itself."
Learning to travel in a playful way.
Virtual OV is more than just a game. It's a serious tool that helps young people practice the executive skills necessary for successful public transport travel. This includes scanning train tickets at gates or finding the correct information boards. "It gives them some 'feel' for what they can expect on the real platform," Dmitri explains.
A bridge between fear and reality
For young people with autism, the thought of traveling by public transport can be overwhelming. Virtual OV bridges the gap between those anxious thoughts and reality. It's a safe environment where they can experiment, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences.
"It's a great stepping stone towards traveling by train," says Dmitri. "Maybe not entirely independently yet, but with guidance. And that is already a huge step forward."
The 'fun factor'
What makes Virtual OV so effective is the 'fun factor'. "When our young people enjoy something, their response brain 'turns on'," Dmitri explains. "They retain tips better and recognize situations more quickly. Like the tip about what exactly to do at the check-in gates."
Practicing executive functions
The possibilities for practicing various situations are endless. In a next level, young people can practice learning to deal with crowds and noise at train stations. And with unexpected situations such as delays or train cancellations. But also executive functions like planning a journey. "So where do I need to change trains to get from station A to station C?' Dmitri sums up. With Virtual OV, they practice exactly those executive functions they need to travel by public transport."
Growing self-confidence
Dmitri and his colleagues at Autstekend are extremely enthusiastic about Virtual OV. "It's the perfect tool for our target group," he says with a smile. "When I see how much our clients enjoy the game and how they become a little more confident on the virtual platform each time, it gives me a good feeling."
But it goes beyond just traveling by public transport. Through Virtual OV, young people gain more confidence in themselves. "They learn, for example, that there's a solution for every problem," Dmitri explains. "And that they can learn new skills, even if they find it a bit exciting."
A positive spiral
"The effect of Virtual OV is greater than you might think at first glance. Because our young people develop more self-confidence, they dare to take on more new situations. I find that beautiful to see. You can almost hear them thinking: 'If I can manage to learn how to travel by public transport, then maybe I can also get used to something else that I still find very exciting now. For example, going to the supermarket.' "That bit of self-confidence is exactly why we do it," Dmitri concludes.
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