Cassandra Lee
Papers
2
Total Citations
36
H-Index
2
About
Cassandra Lee is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of developmental robotics and autism intervention. Her work focuses on leveraging social robots to improve joint attention—a foundational social communication skill—in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly those with low cognitive functioning. Her most cited study (2023, 19 citations) directly compares robot-based intervention (RBI) to human-based intervention (HBI), demonstrating that robotic platforms can be as effective as human therapists in teaching initiation and response to joint attention. Earlier, her innovative use of robot dramas in stepped wedge trials (2020, 17 citations) showed that Chinese-speaking children with low-functioning ASD engage more readily with robotic characters, leading to measurable improvements in joint attention. Lee’s work is notable for its rigorous experimental design and cultural specificity, addressing a critical gap in non-Western autism research. By combining engineering, psychology, and special education, she has established that socially assistive robots are not merely engaging novelties but viable therapeutic tools. Her findings carry significant implications for scalable, accessible interventions in under-resourced settings, positioning her as a leading voice in technology-mediated autism therapy.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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