Social Robots' Impact on Well-being of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Collaborative Research Program for 2025-2027

Robot-assisted therapy has emerged as a promising tool in helping children and youth with ASD and as a mechanism to improve quality of life in various domains, predominantly social functioning, play, and communication. Other areas where robots have enormous potential to help young people with ASD develop skills have remained largely unexplored. One of those dimensions is emotional well-being, which encompasses the full functioning of a person through concepts such as the perception of a life with meaning, self-actualization, and purposefulness. Robots can provide consistent and structured interactions that help children and adolescents with ASD foster a sense of purpose and explore their interests and strengths. Moreover, the predictability and adaptability of robots allow for personalized and engaging experiences that promote self-actualization, helping children with ASD experience a greater sense of accomplishment and meaning in their lives. This research project aims to explore these possibilities, contributing to a deeper understanding of how robot-assisted therapy can support the emotional well-being of children with ASD and ultimately improve their quality of life.