Robotics And Autism: What Is The Connection?  

 Autism is defined by a specific set of behaviours. It can affect a person’s ability to interact and communicate with others. There are different degrees of autism, but some common behaviours associated with this disability include poor motor skills, delayed speech, difficulties with reasoning, and very narrow interests (introvert nature). These Signs are usually observed in the early childhood years.  Many children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) also suffer from other disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability, or an intellectual disability.  Recent research shows the connection between Autism and Robotics and how robotics could help in minimizing the symptoms and maximizing their abilities. 

Recent research indicates the number of children with autism has increased considerably in Australia. As per the ASD Statistic, we discover 16.5 new autistic children each day. Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience many difficulties in schools. These children need to learn how to interact with their peers, make friends, work, do activities with other children and solve problems in a natural and uncontrolled environment. This can be a difficult challenge for ASD children but using robotic technology, children will be able to practice these skills in a safe, non-judgmental area in a fun way.   

What are the treatments for autism?  

There is no standard treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but there are many ways to treat them which could minimize the symptoms and maximize their abilities. These therapies differ from person to person and their nature. Children do recover from ASD if it is treated is done in the right way. In some cases, if the treatment is done in the right way it could greatly reduce symptoms and can help kids to enjoy their peers or interact with them. 

Before any ASD treatment, one should be aware that there is a possibility for overlapping in symptoms between ASD and other disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), therefore it is important that treatment should focus on a person’s specific needs, rather than the diagnostic label. Different ways of treatment done for ASD are listed below: 

• Parent-mediated therapy: In this therapy, parents learn therapy techniques from professionals and provide those specific therapies to their own children. This approach gives their child training throughout the day in their comfort zone. Parents can also conduct some therapy techniques with children who are at risk of autism but are young to be diagnosed.  

• Behavioural management therapy: It is based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA). It is a widely accepted approach that tracks a child’s progress in improving their skills.  
• Nutritional therapy: Research shows that children diagnosed with autism tend to have thinner bones than children without ASD. Therefore their diet plays an important role in it. It is suggested that the food they consume should contain more amount of dairy products. It will help to make their bones grow strong. 

• Social skills training: It teaches children the skills they need to interact with others. It includes repeating and reinforcing certain desired behaviours.  

• Cognitive behaviour therapy: This therapy focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of a child.

• Joint attention therapy: Research shows that many people with autism have difficulty with joint attention. It is the ability to share a focus on an object or area with another person. Examples of joint attention skills include following someone else’s gaze or pointed fingers to look at something.  
•  Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy helps them to do everyday tasks by finding ways to work within and make the most of their needs, abilities, and interests.  
•  Physical therapy: Physical therapy includes activities and exercises that build motor skills and improve strength, posture, and balance.  

• Speech-language therapy: Speech-language therapy can help autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) children to improve their abilities to communicate and interact with others.  
•  Medication treatment: Currently, there is no medication that can cure autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or all of its symptoms. But some medications can help to treat certain symptoms associated with ASD, especially certain behaviours.   

Find more Information regarding ASD (autism spectrum disorder) in the below link:  

 http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html  

https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-care-network

 How robots can help autistic children?  

Since there is no known cure for autism, several treatments can help autistic children to deal with the challenges associated with the condition. It cannot be 100% cured by any medication. But the good news is recent research shows a link between autism and robots. Several studies reveal that autistic children may learn better from robots than from human teachers. Robotics are helping autistic children in many ways. Interacting with robots can help improve the social, communication and motor skills of autistic children. They may find interacting with a machine easier since they have to focus on one aspect of communication.  

Autistic children can find robots less intimidating than humans. Robots can serve as conventional therapy for children suffering from autism. Autistic children experience difficulties interacting with other people. They have trouble processing and understanding other people’s emotions. Autistic children may be more comfortable interacting with a robot than a human. Robots look like a toy and add an element of fun to the conversation.    

ABG is one source for the highest quality robotics education learning. It offers a number of unique program elements that enable you to develop knowledge, skills and creativity skills.   

 We have started our course in one of the best schools in Australia Northern School of Autism– Lalor n Reservoir, where our trainers give full attention to all the students and make them feel comfortable. Our course is designed in such a way that it helps children to reduce shyness, reluctance, frustration, and boost confidence, social skills and self-esteem. They are good tools to encourage the acceptance of special education in a regular classroom setting. It is developing positive attitudes and perceptions of special education.  

Our programs include workshops, summer courses, after school robotics and coding programs, and programming courses. It is suitable for beginners, advanced level learners and children of all age groups.  Our courses are designed to deliver a hands-on, deep learning experience to everyone. Contact us now to enrol in a robotics course.