Robotic assistance for individuals with Autism: A survey of current technology and insight into future directions

摘要

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The number of people suffering from this condition has increased dramatically during the last three decades. The prevalence rate ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% of children in the United States and the average lifetime cost of care for such individuals being S3.2 million explains the necessity of investment on finding advanced diagnostic and therapeutic methods in this field. In response to this need, robots have been utilized as diagnostic tools and rehabilitation devices. Yet the current state of ASD therapy does not provide adequate support for many of the patients. The purpose of this review paper is to convey the depth and breadth of the investigation conducted on ASD robotic therapy as well as to provide insight into future directions. The information gathered in this review is intended to promote awareness of the states of contemporary ASD robotic therapy. We review the concepts and justification for such therapy, its background, its uses in joint attention, imitation, and turn-taking instructions, and analysis methods.