Gillian Little
Papers
1
Total Citations
22
H-Index
1
About
Gillian Little’s research lies at the compelling intersection of developmental psychology and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on how children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage with social technologies. Her most-cited work, “Toward Improved Child–Robot Interaction by Understanding Eye Movements” (2018, 22 citations), investigates how typically developing children and those with ASD initiate joint attention—a core challenge for individuals on the spectrum—using a gaze-contingent avatar. This study, involving 31 participants with ASD and 33 typically developing children, provides foundational insights into designing more responsive and inclusive social robots. Little’s contributions are especially significant given that 1 in 160 children worldwide is diagnosed with ASD, making her work highly relevant for developing assistive technologies that can support social communication. By combining rigorous experimental methods with a deep understanding of atypical development, Little is helping to shape a future where robots can adapt to the unique needs of neurodiverse users, paving the way for more effective therapeutic and educational tools.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Toward Improved Child–Robot Interaction by Understanding Eye Movements22 citations · 2018