Imitation based training to enhance psychomotor skills in autistic children using a snatcher robot

Abstract

Individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), lack in gross and fine motor skills like walking, sitting and manipulating objects using hands. There has been a consistent upward trend in the prevalence of autism from 1.16% in 2007 to 2% by 2013. A snatcher robot has been deployed to improve the psychomotor skills like grasps, directions and targeted walking of ASD affected children through imitation. Trials of pilot study were conducted for five subjects in the age group of 4 to 10 years over a period of a few weeks. The robotic training was successful in incorporating imitation capabilities and improving the psychomotor skills of the subjects and the results are favourable.