Face to Face with Autism

Abstract

This article discusses features and benefits of robots that promise to change the way therapists help children and adults with autism and pave the way for more social robots in the future. Robots can enable therapists to deliver treatment more effectively, and can prompt classroom teachers, aides, and parents with limited training through the steps needed to teach an autistic child a skill. This could make intensive therapy more accessible and affordable. The Milo robot works as a force multiplier, reinforcing skills taught by human teachers. PABI’s electronic and servo insides are guarded by spring steel ribs and a plush, stuffed exterior. Autism robots can manage mechanics automatically, and they typically link with a tablet and as the child chooses the cards, the robot automatically records data more accurately than any human could do and immediately displays new cards. While Milo and PABI are very different robots, designers want to build robots that adapt to individual children. They hope to do this by adding better sensors and algorithms.