Follow the white robot: efficacy of robot-assistive training for children with autism-spectrum condition

Socially assistive robots have the potential to become a powerful therapeutic tool for individuals affected by the autism-spectrum condition (ASC). However, to date, only a few studies investigated the efficacy of robot-assisted training in structured protocols. The current study aimed at investigating the beneficial effects of a robot-assisted training embedded in the treatment plan provided by an Italian healthcare institution. In collaboration with the healthcare professionals of Piccolo Cottolengo Genovese di Don Orione, we designed a robot-mediated activity aimed at improving social skills in children with ASC Twenty-four ASC kids (Age = 5.79 ± 1.02, 5 females) completed the activities with the robot in a cross-over design, during a period of ten weeks. Their social skills were assessed before and after the robot intervention activities, using the Early Social Communication Scale (ESCS). Results showed that the combination of robot-assisted training and the standard therapy was more effective than the standard therapy alone, in terms of improvement of social skills. Specifically, after the robot-assisted training, children with ASC seem to improve their abilities to generate and respond to behavioral requests and in their tendency to initiate and maintain social interaction with the adult. Our results support the idea that robot-assisted interventions can be combined with the standard treatment plan to improve clinical outcomes.