Humanoid robot NAO to support communication in minimally verbal autistic children
Tests a humanoid social robot as a support for minimally verbal autistic children.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Promoting Communication in Minimally Verbal Autistic Children with Social Robot
Key facts
- Where
- Messina, ItalySee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 4 and 12 years old?
Source: NCT06805916, who can take part
Where in Italy
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino PulejoMessina, ItalyNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo
- Trial code
- NCT06805916
- Record updated
- 11 February 2025
- Original description
Minimally verbal (MV) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant challenges in communication and social interaction, which are fundamental to learning and development. Current therapeutic approaches, such as speech therapy and augmentative communication systems, often have variable efficacy due to engagement and responsiveness challenges. This pilot study investigates using of the humanoid robot NAO as part of a rehabilitative program designed for MV children with ASD. NAO, with its predictable and engaging interaction style, is hypothesized to enhance communicative initiative, expressive communication, and social interaction in this population. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, assigning participants to either an NAO-assisted intervention group or a control group receiving standard therapy. Outcomes will be assessed using standardized measures of communication, social interaction, and observational data. This research aims to explore the potential of social robots as an innovative tool to addressing the unique needs of MV children with ASD, contributing to the development of effective, accessible therapeutic options that improve their quality of life and that of their families.Read full original descriptionShow less
Promoting Communicative Initiative in Minimally Verbal Autistic Children Through Interaction with the Humanoid Social Robot
Minimally verbal (MV) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant challenges in communication and social interaction, which are fundamental to learning and development. Current therapeutic approaches, such as speech therapy and augmentative communication systems, often have variable efficacy due to engagement and responsiveness challenges. This pilot study investigates using of the humanoid robot NAO as part of a rehabilitative program designed for MV children with ASD. NAO, with its predictable and engaging interaction style, is hypothesized to enhance communicative initiative, expressive communication, and social interaction in this population. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, assigning participants to either an NAO-assisted intervention group or a control group receiving standard therapy. Outcomes will be assessed using standardized measures of communication, social interaction, and observational data. This research aims to explore the potential of social robots as an innovative tool to addressing the unique needs of MV children with ASD, contributing to the development of effective, accessible therapeutic options that improve their quality of life and that of their families.
Inclusion: Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Minimal verbal communication; Age between 4 and 12 years.
Exclusion: Diagnosis of neurological disorders other than ASD; Significant medical conditions that could interfere with study participation; Presence of severe intellectual disability.