Improving Imitation Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the NAO Robot and a Human Action
Abeer Alnafjan1, Maha Alghamdi2, Noura Alhakbani2
1Computer Science Department, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 11, 2025
Summary
Robotics effectively improve imitation skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This technology supports therapists and enhances traditional intervention methods for ASD.
Area of Science:
- Robotics in developmental disorder intervention.
- Human-robot interaction for therapeutic applications.
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition impacting social skills and interaction.
- Traditional interventions for ASD require intensive professional supervision.
- Assistive technologies, AI, and robotics offer potential enhancements for ASD training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if robotics can improve imitation skills in children with ASD.
- To assess the utility of robots in supporting therapists during ASD sessions.
Main Methods:
- Designing hand clapping imitation training scenarios using the NAO robot.
- Analyzing child-robot interactions during therapeutic sessions.
- Developing a deep learning approach for human action recognition to assess imitation.
Main Results:
- A deep learning model was successfully developed for analyzing clapping imitation.
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of using robots for targeted skill training in ASD.
Conclusions:
- Integrating robotics into therapeutic practices can significantly enhance imitation skills in children with ASD.
- Robotic interventions provide valuable supplementary support for therapists working with ASD individuals.
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