Evaluate Effectiveness of NAO Robot to Train Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevel-opmental disorder. Such disorders are found in childhood life. Children with ASD have less capabilities in communication and social skills. Therapies are used to develop communication and social skills. Recently researchers are trying to use robots in such therapies. In this paper, we have presented social skill learning test cases for children with ASD. Autism conditions are measured in 30 children in a special school. Among them, twelve children are selected who have similar ASD conditions. Then six children participated in training with humans and another six children participated in training with robots. The learning session continued for three alternative days for a child of a week and the duration of each session was two hours for each day. We have taken an assessment test before and after the learning sessions by a human trainer. We have found better performances from children who have participated in robotic sessions rather than the children who have participated in human sessions.