Robot-Assisted Therapy for Children with Delayed Speech Development: a Pilot Study

Abstract

This paper presents a study that aims to investigate the effects of Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT) on children who have a form of verbal development retardation such as Delayed Speech Development (DSD). To this end, we developed a number of applications for a humanoid robot NAO with the aim to engage children during RAT sessions. We conducted an evaluation of these applications with DSD children who interacted with the robot on a few occasions. Our findings demonstrate the utility of such applications for the therapy of DSD children which was both engaging and entertaining. Similar approach could be utilized for the therapy of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.