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Kristine M Jensen de López, Heidi Thirup Møller Department of Communication and Psychology, Center for Developmental & Applied Psychological Science, Aalborg University, Aalborg, DenmarkCorrespondence: Kristine M Jensen de López, Email kristine@ikp.aau.dkAim: This study aims to identify and describe prevalence rates for ASD in the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), as well as the Nordic countries (Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland).Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (2009) guidelines and based on the two databases: APA PsycINFO and MEDLINE (PubMed).Results: A total of 13 studies were included in the analyses. It was not possible to identify ASD prevalence studies for Greenland. However, for the remaining countries descriptive increases in ASD prevalence figures were observed. Increases were evident both in relation to age and birth cohort. Studies varied regarding which age group and cohort prevalence figures were reported. The most reported age group was the 7– 12-year-olds. In this group, recent prevalence figures for Denmark ranged from 0.26% to 1.47%, in Norway 0.6%, in Sweden 0.23– 0.68%, in Finland 0.22– 0.86%, and in Iceland 2.40– 3.13%. Iceland stood out in terms of higher prevalence figures compared to the other Scandinavian and Nordic countries. Two studies from the Faroe Islands reported ASD prevalence rates between 0.50% and 0.94% for 7– 24-year-olds. These studies were based on nationwide figures, but not from national or official registers.Discussion and conclusion: This study documented increasing prevalence of ASD in Scandinavian and Nordic countries. Several explanations of aspects that may contribute to the increases were discussed, eg, heightened awareness of ASD and earlier diagnosis. The importance of considering differences in data sources was discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of using national registries when available as this source is the most reliable and valid. The absence of prevalence figures for Greenland may be attributed to structural as well as cultural aspects, eg, two parallel systems assessing ASD, cultural taboos as well as lack of awareness of ASD. Suggestions or how to gain knowledge on ASD prevalence in Greenland is presented.Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, prevalence, Scandinavia, Nordic

Nikki M Skjoldborg, Patrick K Bender, Kristine M Jensen de López Center for Developmental & Applied Psychological Science, Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, DenmarkCorrespondence: Kristine M Jensen de López, Email kristine@ikp.aau.dkAbstract: Challenges in life skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with dependency on others and increased isolation from peers. In recent years, interventions using virtual reality (VR) technology have been proposed to improve life skills in ASD populations. This systematic review seeks to evaluate the efficacy of employing VR interventions mediated via head-mounted displays (HMD) for the improvement of life skills in individuals with ASD. Several databases were searched and a narrative synthesis was conducted to examine the findings of the included studies. Eight studies including a total of 58 participants were deemed relevant for this systematic review. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed via the use of critical appraisal tools. Results were generally positive, with one study reporting statistically significant results, and one study not reporting any change in abilities. The remaining six studies reported varying degrees of life skill improvement. The studies were characterized by methodological issues, such as very low sample sizes. The findings of this systematic review indicate some potential for HMD VR interventions in the improvement of life skills in individuals with ASD. However, this review also highlights the current lack of methodologically strong study designs, which prohibits any firm conclusions. Findings are discussed regarding methodological recommendations for further research as well as practical implications for life skills interventions for individuals with ASD.Keywords: virtual reality, autism spectrum disorder, life skills, social skills, head-mounted displays, intervention