Robot-play therapy for improving prosocial behaviours in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Playing with Robot has become an effective therapy method for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this study, we explore the prosocial behaviour of children with ASD through a musical play with a humanoid robot, NAO. The children participated in two different play platforms, Touch Body and Dancing with Me. The game scores and close proximity are measured to assess their understanding and prosocial behaviours. As merging the musical therapy into social robot system, children with ASD could show more playful and positive results in the therapy and promote prosocial behaviours.