Parents and carers of children with autism often struggle when communicating and interacting with their kids. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have a striking lack of interest and ability to interact, limited ability to communicate, and show repetitive behaviours and distress when confronted with changes. For most of us it is pretty hard to imagine what it must be like not to be able to decode body language, facial expressions or the significance of personal space.
Some methods of communication have been established to help parents and their children to improve their way of interacting.A cat, a dog or a bicycle…these animals or objects are common to us. But for most of the children with autism, they belong to another world. Picture exchange communication systems and small nursery rhymes are activities, which are part of their daily routine. A routine, which is extremely important for them in order to feel at ease. Zeno or Kasper are social robots dedicated to children with special needs. Some universities have tested these robots to enhance social interaction skills.
Through role-playing and scenarios, children are able to learn social interaction skills such as reading feelings and communication. The goal is to get the children to step out of their comfort-zone without fear of exposing themselves to a stranger and the fact to react in front of a robot, which responds and reacts, gives them the motivation not to disappoint the companion robot, unlike an inanimate object such as a computer or tablet.
http://www.gadgetsnow.com/computing/british-robot-helping-autistic-children-with-their-social-skills/articleshow/57945937.cms
