Robot-Assisted Autism Therapy (RAAT). Criteria and Types of Experiments Using Anthropomorphic and Zoomorphic Robots. Review of the Research
Sensors
Szymona, B., Maciejewski, M., et al. (2021).
Sensors, 21(11), Article 3720.
This systematic review investigates the effects of Robot-Assisted Autism Therapy on communication and social outcomes in children on the autism spectrum.
Lublin University of Technology (Poland)
2005 to 2021
Peer-reviewed studies
15
Of note, limited information about the sample sizes of the included studies is provided, and no information is relayed regarding the studies' methodological rigor or potential risk of bias. Results should be interpreted with caution, and further research is needed to determine the efficacy of Robot-Assisted Autism Therapy (RAAT) for children on the autism spectrum. Findings demonstrated that RAAT generally encouraged participation in joint activities and other social contacts (i.e. talking or treatment exercises). Emerging support for emotion recognition, imitation and recognition of gestures, and development of social touch was noted.
