Visual and Hearing Sensitivity Affect Robot-Based Training for Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Robotics in developmental psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Human-robot interaction

Background:

• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit sensory sensitivities (hyper- or hypo-reactivity).
• Robot-assisted therapies offer potential for focused engagement in ASD interventions.
• Adapting robot interactions to individual sensory needs may enhance therapeutic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of sensory sensitivity on the effectiveness of robot-assisted joint attention training for children with ASD.
• To explore how sensory profiles affect children's engagement and learning during human-robot interaction.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four children with ASD participated in an 8-session robot-assisted joint attention training using the robot Cozmo.
• Participants were screened for sensory sensitivity using the Sensory Profile Checklist Revised.
• Social skills were assessed before and after training using the Early Social Communication Scale.
• Robot feedback (animations) and therapist interactions were recorded.

Main Results:

• Visual and auditory sensory sensitivities significantly influenced improvements in initiating joint attention.
• Therapists used fewer robot animations for children with high auditory sensitivity, despite animations being soundless.
• Robot motor noise may have contributed to reduced animation use for auditorily sensitive children.

Conclusions:

• Sensory sensitivity is a critical factor to consider in designing and implementing robot-assisted therapies for children with ASD.
• Pre-therapy screening of sensory profiles is recommended to optimize robot-based interventions for ASD.
• Personalizing robot interactions based on sensory needs can enhance therapeutic outcomes in ASD.