Aaron Keating features in the virtual community known as Riverina Shore, which was developed by Charles Sturt University’s division of student learning in Thurgoona. The fictional rural town is filled with real-life Border stories.

Aaron was diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder aged three.

His mother, Yasmin, agreed to take part in the project where the family told its story using text, images, links and video.

“I certainly hope this will help other families, we are happy to give back to the community and show them our journey with Aaron,” Mrs Keating said.

“We started early intervention when he was three, encompassing services like occupational health and speech therapy.

“It's about his life, what he has experienced and what our family has done in order to help him and his development.

“I feel the interactive learning tool expresses to the students exactly how everyday life is for our family.”

CSU utilised services in the community through Albury Wodonga Health to develop the resource.

Aaron was one of four case studies in the pilot program, which includes a man with cerebral palsy, a stroke victim and an elderly couple.

Students can navigate around Riverina Shore to find the virtual clients at home, in community health centres and social places.

Project leader Doctor Caroline Robinson hoped it would expand to other areas of study such as business, education or science.

“There are scenarios in there which are based on real people who live in Albury-Wodonga,” she said. “The idea is the people in those scenarios tell their stories so the students can understand the person as a whole.

“It gives them information they couldn't just get from talking to a client when they meet them for treatment, because what they are able to see is how that person is, or how the family is, on a day-to-day basis.

“There are other virtual online resources, but they often use actors … here you've got authentic, real-life stories.”