ERIC Number: EJ1477572
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Sep
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-6434
EISSN: EISSN-2381-3121
Available Date: 0000-00-00
An Approach of Designing a Child-Height-Assisted Robot with Semi-Autonomous Enhances Social Reciprocity for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Yufang Cheng1; Kai-Chao Yao1; Li-xin Qiu1; Li-hung Cheng2
Journal of Special Education Technology, v40 n3 p368-383 2025
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face significant challenges in social reciprocity, which involves the mutual exchange of social cues and interactions. This study investigates the potential of using a child-height assistive robot named Rudolf to enhance the social reciprocity skills of children with ASD. The research focused on two main questions: how the robot's semi-autonomous functions influence the enhancement of social reciprocity and how its customizable features elicit and improve these skills. Rudolf was specifically designed to engage children with ASD in a structured, supportive environment, offering tailored interactions to practice social reciprocity. A multiple-probe design was employed over three months to evaluate the robot's impact on the social skills of three participants with ASD. The study revealed significant improvements in the children's social reciprocity, with participants demonstrating increased engagement, trust, and interaction within the robot-assisted environment. The customizable functionalities of Rudolf were particularly effective in eliciting and reinforcing interactive behaviors. This research highlights the potential of assistive robots, like Rudolf, in addressing the unique social challenges faced by individuals with ASD. The findings suggest that such robots, when designed with customizable, child-centered features, can significantly enhance social skills in this population. The study contributes to the development of tailored assistive technologies that improve social integration and overall quality of life for children with ASD.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Robotics, Interpersonal Competence, Interaction, Program Effectiveness, Children, Technology Uses in Education, Skill Development
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Industrial Education and Technology, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan; 2Commerce Development Research Institute, Central Taiwan office, Taichung city, Taiwan

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