Preliminary results of a therapeutic lab for promoting autonomies in autistic children

This extended abtract describes the preliminary qualitative results coming from a therapeutic laboratory focused on the use of the Pepper robot to promote autonomies and functional acquisitions in highly functioning (Asperger) children with autism. The field lab, ideated and led by a multidisciplinary team, involved 4 children, aged 11-13, who attended the laboratory sessions once a week for four months.

Social Assistive Robotics for Autistic Children

This paper introduces the project Social Assistive Robotics for Autistic Children aimed at using robotic therapy for autism. The goal of the project is testing autistic children's interactions with the social robot NAO. In particular the robot will support the operators (psychologists, educators, speech therapists etc.) in their work. The innovative aspect of the project is that the children robot interaction will consider the children's emotions and specific features and the robot will adapt its behavior accordingly.

Sugar, Salt & Pepper -- Humanoid robotics for autism

This paper introduces an experimental trial that will take place from February to June 2021, and which will see the use of the Pepper robot in a therapeutic laboratory on autonomies that will promote functional acquisitions in children diagnosed with high functioning autism/Asperger's syndrome.