NCT06805916

Promoting Communication in Minimally Verbal Autistic Children with Social Robot

Promoting Communicative Initiative in Minimally Verbal Autistic Children Through Interaction with the Humanoid Social Robot

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 4 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Among individuals with ASD, approximately 25-30% are minimally verbal (MV), demonstrating limited verbal or non-verbal communication skills, which poses significant challenges for social interaction and learning. Early diagnosis and tailored therapeutic interventions are crucial for improving long-term outcomes in this population. However, traditional therapies often face limitations, including variability in efficacy and difficulty maintaining engagement among MV children. In recent years, the integration of advanced technologies into therapeutic programs has gained traction as an innovative approach to address communication challenges in ASD. Social robots, such as the humanoid robot NAO, offer unique opportunities to engage children with ASD through consistent and predictable interactions. NAO is equipped with capabilities including speech recognition, gestures, and responses to touch and movement, making it an effective tool for promoting communication and social behaviors. Preliminary studies suggest that social robots can enhance engagement and improve social skills in children with ASD, yet their potential remains underexplored in minimally verbal children. This single-blind, randomized, controlled study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a rehabilitative treatment program integrating the NAO robot for minimally verbal children with ASD. NAO-assisted therapy sessions are designed to promote communicative initiative, expressive language, and social interaction through interactive tasks tailored to each child's needs. The study's outcomes will be measured using standardized communication assessments, including the Test of Verbalization (TVL), and observational data to evaluate engagement, responsiveness, and frequency of communicative behaviors. By leveraging advanced robotic technology, this study aims to explore new avenues for therapeutic interventions, ultimately contributing to the development of evidence-based strategies that improve the quality of life for minimally verbal children with ASD and their families.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	NAO-Assisted Therapy	The intervention sessions included tasks designed to engage the child in verbal and social interactions, such as naming objects, responding to questions, and performing gestures. The NAO robot provided consistent and predictable feedback, while therapists supported and reinforced appropriate communicative behaviors.
BEHAVIORAL	Standard therapeutic	Standard therapeutic approaches included exercises aimed at improving verbal communication and social engagement, such as naming objects, sentence construction, and comprehension tasks. Therapists adapted the intervention to the child's individual communication goals.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-01-02
• Primary completion: 2025-09-30
• Completion: 2025-09-30
• First posted: 2025-02-03
• Last updated: 2025-02-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Italy