Can a robot be an efficient mediator in promoting dyadic activities among children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and children of Typical Development?

Abstract

Studies have provided evidence that interventions with Socially Assistive Robots (SARs), can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to develop social skills. This study will outline features of SAR that respond to the heterogeneity of the ASD, thus promote interesting activities in safe environments for children with ASD to feel secure and motivated to participate. Subsequently a research will be presented, that was held with the aim to verify whether a robot can facilitate dyadic activities among children with ASD and TD, more effectively than a human mediator does.