Kristin Wier

University of Notre Dame, Center for Autism and Related Disorders

Papers

Total Citations

196

H-Index

About

Kristin Wier’s research sits at the intersection of robotics, human-computer interaction, and clinical psychology, with a focused mission to improve social and vocational outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her most influential work includes a pioneering pilot study on a summer robotics camp for adolescents with ASD, which demonstrated that structured, robot-mediated activities can significantly reduce social anxiety while building practical job skills. This study, cited 76 times, remains a touchstone for interventions blending technology with social skills training. Wier also developed the DOMER (Dynamically Operated Manually Executed Robot) interface, a Wizard of Oz system that allows therapists to wirelessly control a humanoid robot during therapy sessions. This 2011 paper, with 69 citations, provided a critical tool for researchers and clinicians seeking to integrate responsive, non-judgmental robotic partners into ASD treatment. Her 2013 review of clinical robot applications, cited 51 times, synthesized emerging evidence and helped establish the field’s foundational knowledge. Through these contributions, Wier has shaped how robots are used not just as tools, but as therapeutic allies, opening new pathways for social engagement and skill development in neurodiverse populations.