@inproceedings{a131e597375c47edaa29ce0685dbd5d0,
title = "Robotic animals might aid in the social development of children with autism",
abstract = "This study investigated whether a robotic dog might aid in the social development of children with autism. Eleven children diagnosed with autism (ages 5-8) interacted with the robotic dog AIBO and, during a different period within the same experimental session, a simple mechanical toy dog (Kasha), which had no ability to detect or respond to its physical or social environment. Results showed that, in comparison to Kasha, the children spoke more words to AIBO, and more often engaged in three types of behavior with AIBO typical of children without autism: verbal engagement, reciprocal interaction, and authentic interaction. In addition, we found suggestive evidence (with p values ranging from .07 to .09) that the children interacted more with AIBO, and, while in the AIBO session, engaged in fewer autistic behaviors. Discussion focuses on why robotic animals might benefit children with autism.",
keywords = "AIBO, Animals, Autism, Reciprocity, Robots, Social development",
author = "Stanton, {Cady M.} and Kahn, {Peter H.} and Severson, {Rachel L.} and Ruckert, {Jolina H.} and Gill, {Brian T.}",
year = "2008",
doi = "10.1145/1349822.1349858",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781605580173",
series = "HRI 2008 - Proceedings of the 3rd ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction: Living with Robots",
pages = "271--278",
booktitle = "HRI 2008 - Proceedings of the 3rd ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction",
note = "3rd ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction, HRI 2008 ; Conference date: 12-03-2008 Through 15-03-2008",
}