Roles, Strengths and Challenges of Using Robots in Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Claire A. G. J. Huijnen*, Monique A. S. Lexis, Rianne Jansens, Luc P. de Witte

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study roles, strengths and challenges of robot-mediated interventions using robot KASPAR for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twelve focus group sessions were organized in which 70 ASD care and/or education professionals participated. Six roles for KASPAR were identified: provoker, reinforcer, trainer, mediator, prompter, and diagnostic information provider. Strengths of KASPAR are related to personalisation possibilities, its playfulness, the action-reaction principle, its neutral expression, consistent and repetitive application of actions, possibilities to vary behaviour in a controlled manner and having an extra hand. Challenges of working with KASPAR were: limited reaction possibilities, possibility of children being scared of KASPAR, difficulties with generalisation or transfer and finally potential dependence on KASPAR.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11-21
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume49
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2019

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Robot
  • KASPAR
  • ASD
  • Children
  • Robot mediated intervention
  • HUMANOID ROBOT
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • PLAY

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