Episode #270: Supporting Autistic Learners Through Technology—A Conversation with Floreo

What if we could safely practice real-world situations before our students ever experience them?

In this episode, I’m joined by Marsha and Rita from Floreo to talk about how virtual reality is supporting autistic learners in building social, communication, safety, and life skills. Floreo is a VR platform that allows learners to step into immersive environments like airport security lines, grocery stores, and even digital conversations, all while being coached in real time by a therapist, teacher, or parent.

What I love most is how functional these lessons are. From responding to TSA questions to recognizing red flags in online interactions, these scenarios reflect the real challenges our students face. We also discuss the growing research behind VR-assisted therapy, including published studies showing improvements in social skills and skill maintenance.

We talk through how VR can fit naturally into speech therapy and ABA sessions, with pre-teaching, guided practice, and generalization built in. Plus, we cover funding options, including school-based access and the temporary VR-assisted therapy billing modifier 0770T.

Technology is powerful when it’s clinically driven, and this conversation highlights how innovation can truly empower our learners.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Marsha has eighteen years of experience working with adolescents and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, educators, and clinicians. She has a special interest in sexuality and sexuality education, and has worked internationally to educate parents and professionals on strategies and best practices for teaching sexuality education to young people with ID/D.

She spearheaded the development and launch of an Applied Behavior Analysis clinic for individuals ages 3–21 at a pediatric specialty hospital in Washington, DC. Marsha also created educational workshops and comprehensive training programs on sexual health, behavior management policies, and crisis procedures across a multi-location hospital system. Her role was instrumental in establishing effective onboarding and supervision protocols for behavioral staff, and she supported the recruitment of key personnel.

As Director of Therapy Content at Floreo, Marsha develops virtual reality experiences that educate, empower, and enable people to reach their fullest potential.

When she’s not wearing VR goggles, Marsha can be found exploring new places and cuisines with her smart and handsome husband, creating stained glass windows, and spending quality time with her furry family, her dog, Zuma, and two cats, Minka and Yanna.

What’s Inside: