The clinical use of robots for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A critical review

We examined peer-reviewed studies in order to understand the current status of empirically based evidence on the clinical applications of robots in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Studies are organized into four broad categories: (a) the response of individuals with ASD to robots or robot-like behavior in comparison to human behavior, (b) the use of robots to elicit behaviors, (c) the use of robots to model, teach, and/or practice a skill, and (d) the use of robots to provide feedback on performance. A critical review of the literature revealed that most of the findings are exploratory and have methodological limitations that make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the clinical utility of robots. Finally, we outline the research needed to determine the incremental validity of this technique.

► Reviewed current literature on clinical application of robots with individuals with ASD. ► Most studies focus on technology development, rather than clinical application. ► The majority of studies are exploratory and have methodological limitations. ► Research is needed to determine incremental validity of the approach.