Social Robots in Special Education: Creating Dynamic Interactions for Optimal Experience

Abstract

Recent research has proved the positive therapeutic impacts of robot interaction with children diagnosed with the autism spectrum condition. Until now, most of the evaluated treatment methods apply one-to-one sessions between a single robot and a child. This article explores the potential therapeutic effects of multirobot-assisted therapies, along with a proposed game playlist for pursuing such interactive sessions. Considerations for the therapeutic objectives, such as the improvement in social communication and interaction skills, joint attention, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility are also explored. Finally, general procedures and guidelines are provided to further assist the adoption and use of such multirobot sessions.