A hybrid supervised approach for human robot interaction with children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are characterized by difficulties in social communication and restricted patterns of behaviour. Technological tools such as social robots and Objects with Playware Technology (OPT) have been employed in support sessions with individuals with ASD. The present work proposes a supervised behavioural system using a hybrid approach (robot + OPT) to enable a more natural and adaptive interaction. In general, it is possible to conclude that the children understood the mechanics of the games and successfully interacted with the robot and both OPTs.