Effectiveness of a Robot-Assisted Psychological Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Journal: Journal of autism and developmental disorders
Published Date: Feb 1, 2024

Abstract

Difficulties with social interaction characterise children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and have a negative impact in their everyday life. Integrating a social-humanoid robot within the standard clinical treatment has been proven promising. The main aim of this randomised controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a robot-assisted psychosocial intervention and the secondary aim was to investigate potential differences between a robot-assisted intervention group and a control group receiving intervention by humans only. The analysis of the results showed that robot-assisted intervention could be beneficial by improving children's psychosocial skills. This improvement was highlighted by neuropsychological testing and parent reporting. Group comparison only presented minimal statistically significant differences. The study underpins the potential of robot-assisted interventions to augment standard care.

Authors

  • Vasiliki Holeva
    1st Psychiatric Clinic, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • V A Nikopoulou
    Clinical Psychology Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Periferiaki Odos, Ring Road, N. Efkarpia, 54603, Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • C Lytridis
    HUman-MAchines INteraction Laboratory (HUMAIN-Lab), International Hellenic University, Agios Loukas, Kavala, Greece.
  • C Bazinas
    HUman-MAchines INteraction Laboratory (HUMAIN-Lab), International Hellenic University, Agios Loukas, Kavala, Greece.
  • P Kechayas
    Clinical Psychology Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Periferiaki Odos, Ring Road, N. Efkarpia, 54603, Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • G Sidiropoulos
    HUman-MAchines INteraction Laboratory (HUMAIN-Lab), International Hellenic University, Agios Loukas, Kavala, Greece.
  • M Papadopoulou
    Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, 4th Department of Paediatrics, AUTH, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Periferiaki Odos, N. Efkarpia, Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • M D Kerasidou
    Clinical Psychology Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Periferiaki Odos, Ring Road, N. Efkarpia, 54603, Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • C Karatsioras
    "Praxis" Novel Consulting and Therapy Centre for Children, Kavala, Greece.
  • N Geronikola
    Euroaction, Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • G A Papakostas
    HUman-MAchines INteraction Laboratory (HUMAIN-Lab), International Hellenic University, Agios Loukas, Kavala, Greece.
  • V G Kaburlasos
    HUman-MAchines INteraction Laboratory (HUMAIN-Lab), International Hellenic University, Agios Loukas, Kavala, Greece.
  • A Evangeliou
    Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, 4th Department of Paediatrics, AUTH, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Periferiaki Odos, N. Efkarpia, Thessaloniki, Greece.

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