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Promoting Communication in Minimally Verbal Autistic Children with Social Robot
Sponsor: IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo
Summary
Minimally verbal (MV) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant challenges in communication and social interaction, which are fundamental to learning and development. Current therapeutic approaches, such as speech therapy and augmentative communication systems, often have variable efficacy due to engagement and responsiveness challenges. This pilot study investigates using of the humanoid robot NAO as part of a rehabilitative program designed for MV children with ASD. NAO, with its predictable and engaging interaction style, is hypothesized to enhance communicative initiative, expressive communication, and social interaction in this population. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, assigning participants to either an NAO-assisted intervention group or a control group receiving standard therapy. Outcomes will be assessed using standardized measures of communication, social interaction, and observational data. This research aims to explore the potential of social robots as an innovative tool to addressing the unique needs of MV children with ASD, contributing to the development of effective, accessible therapeutic options that improve their quality of life and that of their families.
Official title: Promoting Communicative Initiative in Minimally Verbal Autistic Children Through Interaction with the Humanoid Social Robot
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
4 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2023-01-02
Completion Date
2025-09-30
Last Updated
2025-02-11
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
NAO-Assisted Therapy
The intervention sessions included tasks designed to engage the child in verbal and social interactions, such as naming objects, responding to questions, and performing gestures. The NAO robot provided consistent and predictable feedback, while therapists supported and reinforced appropriate communicative behaviors.
Standard therapeutic
Standard therapeutic approaches included exercises aimed at improving verbal communication and social engagement, such as naming objects, sentence construction, and comprehension tasks. Therapists adapted the intervention to the child's individual communication goals.
Locations (1)
IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo
Messina, Messina, Italy