MoodMentor is a VR application designed to improve mindfulness skills in neurodivergent adults, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Acquired Brain Injuries. The project was developed in collaboration with Road to Responsibility, a Massachusetts nonprofit, alongside South Shore Support Services, WORK, Inc., and the Arc of Bristol County.
Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, MoodMentor was deployed across four Massachusetts health networks. Beta testing showed participants who had difficulty sustaining attention for more than a minute or two were able to focus for up to 10 minutes. The overwhelming majority responded positively, and an unexpected side effect was observed: members were visibly more relaxed after using the VR than they had been beforehand.
Clinically, mindfulness has been strongly linked to improved emotional and behavioral regulation and decision making. It involves observing details in natural and interpersonal environments, accurately describing what is being observed, and then taking effective action. The clinical team at Road to Responsibility provided guidance, and the technical team translated it into an immersive VR experience.
Persons with ASD tend to struggle reading social cues and experience higher levels of stress and anxiety when interacting with others. Traditional clinical approaches can be helpful, but skill acquisition occurs in high-stakes real-life situations. VR offered a way to practice in a safe, controlled environment.
Built in Unity with C# for Meta Quest. UI/UX design informed by clinical collaboration with Road to Responsibility and partner organizations.