Robot Assistants In Education of Children with Autism: Interaction Between The Robot and The Child

This study examined the interaction between humanoid robots and children with autism. In this study, multiple probe design was used from single-sample research models. The study was conducted in a special rehabilitation center. Participants of the study were 3 boys and 1 girl, four children with autism, aged between 6-9 years. Within the scope of the study, four social activities have been developed in which humanoid robot and children could interact. The study lasted for three weeks and each week 20-minute sessions were held for each student. Video footages and semi-structured interview forms developed by the researchers were used as data collection tools. Video footage of the third trial was analyzed to determine the interaction level of the robot and the children. In addition, the content analysis of the interviews with the families was conducted. The interaction level scores of the students were calculated and it was concluded that there was a high interaction between the robot and autism with children. This result is parallel with similar studies in the literature