Toy Robots for Diagnosing and Curing Autism
A number of families I know, including my friend Kristina’s, care for children with autism. Autism is a disorder with no clear cause or cure. Children affected by autism spectrum disorder exhibit a baffling range of social and cognitive behaviors.
Brian Scassellati, a robotics researcher in Yale’s computer-science department, is hoping to build toy robots that can help diagnosis and treat autism. The robots he’s designed can track eye gaze and be programmed to act in specific ways. Then, by observing how children respond to them, it’s possible to determine autism-specific behaviors. After diagnosis, robots may also be used to teach socializing skills to autistic children.
These devices can be programmed to monitor where the child is, or whether the child has said anything, and then to say something appropriate. In other cases, the robot head will spout things randomly. Prof. Scassellati said that with three year olds, nonautistic children will continue to interact with a robot that is responding appropriately, but will quickly tire of one that isn’t. Autistic children, however, show no such preference, and will be equally fascinated by each.
All parents know that toys are more than just play things. Robots may prove to be invaluable for autistic children, their families, and their caregivers.
Post-Gazette, October 26, 2005
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POSTED IN: Children's Toys
2 opinions for Toy Robots for Diagnosing and Curing Autism
kc
Oct 26, 2005 at 9:18 pm
I’m looking forward to seeing one of these! Charlie perhaps too——
Lei
Oct 27, 2005 at 5:35 am
Kristina, From what you’ve written about in your blog, I wonder how many sessions it would take autistic kids to accept the robots.
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