Deploy Social Assistive Robot to develop symbolic play and imitation skills in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

In the current study, we present how robot-based interventions can improve symbolic play and imitation skills in children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) by increasing their eye contact, attention, imitation skills, and engagement with a robot. Specifically, we deploy the humanoid NAO 6 (SoftBank Robotics) to enrich ASD students’ symbolic play skills through six education applications developed in Choregraphe software platform. The applications were evaluated in pilot studies with 5 students (2 girls and 3 boys, aged 7-10 years) in a Special Primary School for Children with Autism, for 3 months (Nov2020-Jan2021), in which they constantly interacted with the NAO. Initial results reveal improvements in eye contact, attention, and imitation skills of the children with ASD, prompting for a long-term study in our next steps.