Autism and social robotics: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) present unique challenges in social interaction and communication.
• Social robots are emerging as potential therapeutic tools for individuals with ASD.
• Previous studies suggest robots can facilitate engagement and social learning in ASD populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on social robot applications in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) therapy over the past decade.
• To evaluate the efficacy of social robots as a therapeutic tool for individuals with ASD.
• To identify key outcomes and limitations in current research on social robots for ASD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Protocol registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42015016158).
• Analysis of studies published within the last 10 years focusing on social robots and ASD treatment.

Main Results:

• Individuals with ASD often demonstrated improved performance with robot partners compared to human partners.
• ASD subjects exhibited social behaviors towards robots comparable to typically developing (TD) individuals towards humans.
• Robotic interventions led to reduced repetitive/stereotyped behaviors and improved spontaneous language in ASD participants.
• Social robots facilitated easier connection between therapists/researchers and individuals with ASD.

Conclusions:

• Social robots offer a promising avenue for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) therapy, enhancing social engagement and communication.
• Current research is insufficient, necessitating further investigation into factors like participant sex, IQ, and age.
• It remains crucial to determine if therapeutic benefits observed during robotic sessions extend to real-world contexts.