Design issues on interactive environments for children with autism

Abstract

This article addresses design issues that are relevant in the AURORA project which aims at developing an autonomous, mobile robot as a therapeutic tool for children with autism. Cognitive theories of mindreading are discussed and related to the AURORA project. This approach is put in the broader context of interactive environments, which autonomous mobile robots are a special case of. Implications of this research for interactive environments in general, and virtual environments in particular are discussed. Keywords: Human-Robot Interaction, Mindreading, Autism, Rehabilitation, Interactive Environments 1. INTRODUCTION This article discusses the use of interactive environments (software or robotic) as learning and teaching tools for the rehabilitation of children with autism. The discussions draw upon experience gained in the AURORA project, which develops an autonomous, mobile robot as a therapeutic tool for children with autism (Dautenhahn, 1999