Orly Lahav

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Orly Lahav’s research sits at the intersection of special education, human-computer interaction, and robotics, with a focused interest in how technology can support learning for individuals on the autism spectrum. Her most cited work investigates the capacity of high-functioning autistic children to program robotic behavior, a line of inquiry that challenges assumptions about cognitive and communicative abilities in this population. In her 2019 study, Lahav demonstrated that these children could successfully construct and describe a robot’s actions using iconic programming software on an iPad, revealing untapped potential for complex, sequential thinking. This contribution is significant because it reframes programming not merely as a technical skill but as a powerful medium for expression and social-cognitive development. While her citation counts are still emerging—with the top paper garnering 3 citations—the work’s novelty lies in its practical, child-centered methodology and its implications for inclusive educational design. Lahav’s research opens new pathways for assistive technologies that leverage robotics to foster agency, communication, and problem-solving in autistic learners, marking her as a thoughtful innovator in technology-enhanced special education.