Vanesa Padillo

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About

Vanesa Padillo is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of educational technology, developmental psychology, and assistive interventions for neurodiverse populations. Her primary research focus is on designing and evaluating technology-mediated social skills training for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her most cited work, "Comparing two LEGO Robotics-based interventions for social skills training with children with ASD" (2013, 20 citations), is a landmark study that systematically analyzes two comparable interventions using LEGO Robotics as a platform for social engagement. This paper, conducted in collaboration with the Unit of Pediatrics Psychology and Psychiatry at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (HSJD), demonstrates her ability to bridge clinical practice with innovative educational tools. By showing how structured, play-based robotics activities can foster peer interaction and communication, Padillo has contributed a replicable framework for practitioners. Her work is notable for its rigorous comparative methodology and its direct application in a clinical setting, offering evidence that technology can be a powerful, engaging medium for therapy. This research has informed subsequent studies on robot-assisted therapy and remains a key reference for educators and therapists developing inclusive, tech-driven social curricula.