Soft Robot Design to Support Communication for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Our study investigates the advantages of using soft robots to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder advance their social skills focusing on speech development. The field of developing robots for therapeutic use is still relatively new. The studies thus far have had positive responses and progressive data with majority of the users. Further investigation of their application in varying clinic settings will be important in aiding those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a chronic disease however many patients have proven that varying practices and therapeutic activities can help advance their motor and communication skills no matter their level of disability. We designed a soft robot utilizing mechanical motion and sound appealing to our target users. The prototypes we created test varying interactive components encompassing visual responses, sound features and kinetic movement. Our varying iterations of prototypes explore the best visual feedback for engaging the user and enticing them to continue speaking. We believe our developed soft robot when interacting with the ASD children will help improve their speech and communication development and relax them in stressful environments.