Evaluating the response of children with autism to a robot

Abstract

Since 1998, the Aurora project has been investigating the use of a robotic platform as a tool for therapy use with children with autism. A key issue in this project is the evaluation of the interactions, which are not constricted and involve the child moving freely. Additionally, the response of the children is an important factor which must emerge from the robot trial sessions and the evaluation methodology, in order to guide further development work. BACKGROUND: The term autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of disabilities and includes Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Aspergers Syndrome and the diagnosis of autism. Depending on the designation, ASD affects between five and fifteen people in every ten thousand. The effects vary considerably between people, but common symptoms are hyper-sensitivity, learning and developmental problems and problems and avoidance of social interaction. The National Autistic Society state three main symptoms of autism, which they term the ‘triad of impairments’. These are deficits in 1) social interaction, 2) social