The recent proliferation of virtual reality (VR) technology
applications in the autism therapy to promote learning and
positive behavior among such children has produced optimistic results
in developing a variety of skills and abilities in them. Dolphin-
assisted therapy has also become a topic of public and research
interest for autism intervention and treatment. This paper
will present an innovative design and development of a Virtual
Dolphinarium for potential autism intervention. Instead of emulating
the swimming with dolphins, our virtual dolphin interaction
program will allow children with autism to act as dolphin
trainers at the poolside and to learn (nonverbal) communication
through hand gestures with the virtual dolphins. Immersive visualization
and gesture-based interaction are implemented to engage
children with autism within an immersive room equipped with a
curved screen spanning a 320 and a high-end five-panel projection
system. This paper will also report a pilot study to establish
trial protocol of autism screening to explore the participants’ readiness
for the virtual dolphin interaction. This research will have two
potential benefits in the sense of helping children with autism and
protecting the endangered species.