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Use of a humanoid robot to reduce distress in autistic children undergoing paediatric cardiology visits: a pilot
Elisa Lodi1,2, Francesca Tampieri3, Maria Luisa Poli3
1University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy elisalodi@unimore.it.
Insights
A pilot study found that using a humanoid robot (NAO) significantly reduced distress in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during cardiology assessments, improving healthcare experiences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Human-Robot Interaction
Background:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience heightened distress during medical examinations.
- Sensory sensitivities and communication difficulties in ASD contribute to challenges in healthcare settings.
Abstract:
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience distress during medical procedures due to sensory sensitivities and communication challenges. We conducted a pilot study assessing whether a humanoid robot (NAO) could reduce distress during cardiology assessments. 24 children with ASD were evaluated during NAO-assisted visits. Distress levels were significantly lower compared with previous routine non-robot-assisted visits involving the same patients. Reduced motion artefacts and shorter diagnostic procedures were also observed. These results support the feasibility and potential benefit of integrating social robots into outpatient paediatric settings for patients with autism, paving the way for more inclusive and neurosensitive healthcare experiences.
