Improvement of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using Human Robot Interaction

Abstract

This paper shows the primary feedback of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) interacting with Humanoid Robot NAO. Four autistic children from Society for the Welfare of Autistic Children (SWAC) is being picked based on their neurological and physical limitations which has been identified by specialist teachers, ASD specialist researchers, and faculty members. Their Intelligence Quotient depends on question-answer based Intelligence Test has been first carried out and they have undergone the autism diagnoses based on Autism Diagnostic Observation sessions by autism specialist teachers from Society for the Welfare of Autistic Children (SWAC). The four of Children with ASD will then involve in the Robot-based Interaction Program, which started from session 1 to session 4. The interaction between Children with ASD and Humanoid Robot NAO is being recorded with Android Phone Video Camera and one mini camera included on the middle of Humanoid Robot NAO for initial feedback analysis based on verbal and non-verbal communications. The interaction session between the children and robot has been developed by using the software named choreographe of Humanoid Robot NAO.