The Role of Social Robotics as Assistive Technologies in Therapy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Possible Interactive Play Scenarios

The current article delves into the use of social robots as assistive tools in the therapy of children and adolescents with different neurodevelopmental conditions. Research indicates that these robots offer engaging and effective therapeutic experiences, with both children and their parents responding positively to the technology. Parents, in particular, tend to view robots as more suitable for children than devices like tablets or smartphones. Accordingly, this work investigates the therapeutic potential of various Socially-Assistive Robots (SARs), showcasing interactive play scenarios developed by expert teams. It outlines potential applications and highlights challenges encountered during therapy sessions. In addition, the article discusses how SARs can foster a supportive, non-intrusive setting that may contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes.