What is the research evidence of the use of robots for clinical treatment with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders?
In K-lab, we are not using the robot for this purpose. However, because we are a behavioral science lab that uses robots, we are often asked this question. Comprehensive reviews of research studies that have explored the use of robots for ASD treatment (see references below) found that the research evidence is weak and that the data produced by the studies published thus far have not been convincing. In short, robot-mediated intervention studies have not followed standard research designs and lacked the methodological rigor necessary for the clinical community to have any confidence in their results.
Begum, M., Serna, R. W., & Yanco, H. A. (2016). Are Robots Ready to Deliver Autism Interventions? A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Social Robotics, 8(2), 157-181. Click here.
Diehl, J. J., Schmitt, L. M., Villano, M., & Crowell, C. R. (2012). The clinical use of robots for individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A critical review. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 249-262. Doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2011.06.006
Goldsmith, T. R., & LeBlanc, L. A. (2004). Use of technology in interventions for children with autism. Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention, 1(2), 166. Click here
Begum, M., Serna, R. W., & Yanco, H. A. (2016). Are Robots Ready to Deliver Autism Interventions? A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Social Robotics, 8(2), 157-181. Click here.
Diehl, J. J., Schmitt, L. M., Villano, M., & Crowell, C. R. (2012). The clinical use of robots for individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A critical review. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 249-262. Doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2011.06.006
Goldsmith, T. R., & LeBlanc, L. A. (2004). Use of technology in interventions for children with autism. Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention, 1(2), 166. Click here