Enhancing Social Skills in Children with Autism and ADHD: Evaluating the Impact of an Interactive Multisensory Physical Movements Model Combined with Traditional Behavioral Therapies

This study evaluates the Interactive Multisensory Physical Movements (IMPM) model, an innovative intervention for ASD and ADHD, and uses VR, holography, and eye-tracking with multisensory stimuli.

Under the guidance of Dr. Mary Bernard, Program Head and Research Ethics Board Chair, Dr. Furukawa became one of only four IMPaCT-funded postdocs in Canada in 2025, representing British Columbia exclusively. As a multisensory intervention specialist and educational expert, Furukawa innovatively incorporates music, art, and rhythm into transformative therapies for neurodiverse children. This project is also funded with a Michael Smith Health Research BC Training Award.

Furukawa’s groundbreaking project is a BC-based initiative with promising international collaboration through matched funding, positioning it at the forefront of innovative autism and ADHD research. The project addresses a critical gap in current therapies that primarily manage symptoms without targeting the underlying causes, limiting long-term improvements in children’s social and emotional functioning. By pioneering an Interactive Multisensory Physical Movements model combined with traditional behavioral therapies, this research engages children with ASD and ADHD through immersive, technology-driven activities that stimulate multisensory integration and full-body involvement.

In BC, Furukawa works as a PI integrating cutting-edge scientific tools – such as holography, eye tracking, and virtual reality – with established behavioral therapies to revolutionize the development of social skills and emotional regulation. This novel intervention aims to transcend conventional methods by offering a dynamic, engaging therapeutic experience tailored to the mental and physical needs of each child. Anticipated outcomes include marked improvements in social interaction, reductions in behavioral challenges, and enhanced participation in daily activities, promising to elevate the quality of life for affected children.

The impact of this research will extend beyond individual benefits, potentially transforming understanding and care provision for neurodevelopmental disorders within the BC health system. By demonstrating the efficacy of combining advanced technology with behavioral science, Furukawa’s project could set a new standard for personalized interventions that address core deficits rather than symptoms alone. This innovation holds the promise to reduce healthcare burdens, improve long-term outcomes, and inspire scalable, technology-empowered therapeutic models across Canada and internationally.