Robot assisted music therapy a case study with children diagnosed with autism

Abstract

Music therapy is often used for children with autism to improve social interaction, communication, and imitation skills through music. Increasingly, music therapists have incorporated technology into therapy sessions as therapeutic tools. Robotics has shown potential to encourage interaction with children with autism. This research utilizes a case study approach (N=4), with children diagnosed with autism in music therapy sessions. A NAO robot was used in therapy for a minimum of 6 weeks, designed to instruct children to imitate dance movements though a therapist-selected song. Behavioral data analysis showed that the children increased imitation over the course of the study. Therapists benefited from using the robot tool to decrease their multitasking, and allow them to observe child.