Marije van der Werff
Papers
1
Total Citations
106
H-Index
1
About
Marije van der Werff is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a specific focus on using social robots to support children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. Her most-cited work, a 2014 study on robot-mediated intervention based on Lego® therapy, demonstrates how robots can facilitate collaborative play between children with ASD and their siblings. This groundbreaking paper, with over 100 citations, shows that robots can act as non-judgmental mediators, reducing social anxiety and improving joint attention and turn-taking. Van der Werff’s contributions lie in bridging robotics and clinical psychology, providing empirical evidence that robots can enhance social skills in naturalistic settings. Her work has been instrumental in designing affordable, scalable interventions that empower families and therapists. By integrating principles of play therapy with robotic technology, she has opened new avenues for inclusive education and therapeutic support. Van der Werff’s research continues to influence the design of socially assistive robots, making her a key figure in the intersection of technology, child development, and autism intervention.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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