Promoting Communication in Minimally Verbal Autistic Children with Social Robot

Summary

Minimally verbal (MV) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant challenges in communication and social interaction, which are fundamental to learning and development. Current therapeutic approaches, such as speech therapy and augmentative communication systems, often have variable efficacy due to engagement and responsiveness challenges. This pilot study investigates using of the humanoid robot NAO as part of a rehabilitative program designed for MV children with ASD. NAO, with its predictable and engaging interaction style, is hypothesized to enhance communicative initiative, expressive communication, and social interaction in this population. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, assigning participants to either an NAO-assisted intervention group or a control group receiving standard therapy. Outcomes will be assessed using standardized measures of communication, social interaction, and observational data. This research aims to explore the potential of social robots as an innovative tool to addressing the unique needs of MV children with ASD, contributing to the development of effective, accessible therapeutic options that improve their quality of life and that of their families.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

NAO-Assisted Therapy

The intervention sessions included tasks designed to engage the child in verbal and social interactions, such as naming objects, responding to questions, and performing gestures. The NAO robot provided consistent and predictable feedback, while therapists supported and reinforced appropriate communicative behaviors.

BEHAVIORAL

Standard therapeutic

Standard therapeutic approaches included exercises aimed at improving verbal communication and social engagement, such as naming objects, sentence construction, and comprehension tasks. Therapists adapted the intervention to the child's individual communication goals.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Margherita La Fauci · IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo

• Maria Tresoldi · University Hospital "G. Martino"

• Marcella Di Cara · IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

4 Years

Max Age

12 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-01-02

Primary Completion

2025-09-30

Completion

2025-09-30

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations