Cady M. Stanton

Papers

Total Citations

176

H-Index

About

Dr. Cady M. Stanton is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and developmental psychology, best known for investigating how robotic animals can support social development in children with autism. Her landmark 2008 study, which has garnered 176 citations, demonstrated that children with autism (ages 5–8) exhibited more social behaviors—such as speaking, making eye contact, and touching—when interacting with the robotic dog AIBO compared to a simple mechanical toy. This work provided early, compelling evidence that socially assistive robots could serve as engaging, predictable, and non-judgmental partners in therapeutic settings. Stanton’s contributions have helped lay the groundwork for a growing field exploring how technology can bridge social communication gaps. Her research is frequently cited in studies on autism interventions, animal-assisted therapy, and robot design, reflecting its broad interdisciplinary impact. By showing that even a rudimentary robotic companion can elicit meaningful social responses, Stanton opened new avenues for accessible, scalable tools to support children with autism—a legacy that continues to inspire researchers and clinicians alike.