Technical elements of social assistance robots that enhance the therapeutic or supportive effectiveness of the cooperative and communicative behavior of children with autism

Abstract

Research in recent years shows that the use of robotics can be an important tool in enhancing the cooperation and social interaction of children with autism. According to the literature review, the use of social assistance robots as an aid can bring significant benefits to the development of social skills in children with autism in areas that show underlying deficits. In the present research we will investigate the attitudes of teachers about the basic technical elements of social assistance robots that affect and function therapeutically in enhancing the collaborative and communicative behavior of children with autism. The analysis of the data concerns the effect of robotic tools on enhancing the cooperation and communication skills of children with autism in areas such as, verbal ability, eye contact, reduction of stereotypical behavior of children, imitation.