G627 Study to investigate the effectiveness of using a humanoid robot (kaspar) to improve the social skills of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a randomised controlled feasibility trial

Aims

A growing body of research has shown that robots can be effective in improving the social communication skills of children with ASD, however randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking. This feasibility RCT examined whether it is possible to deliver a social skills intervention using the Kaspar robot with children with ASD within the NHS.

Method

Children with ASD aged between 5–10 took part in six therapy sessions targeting key social communication skills with a therapist. Children were randomised to therapy using the robot or with the therapist only. Parental stress and the child's social skills were assessed at three time points, using parent-reported questionnaires and video analysis.

Results

The criteria for recruitment and data collection were met. Forty-five percent of those sent details of the study (42/94) agreed to take part. Of these, 38 were randomised and a further seven withdrew post-randomisation: an attrition rate of 26%. More than 80% of the questionnaires were completed. Some technical issues arose, which could be addressed in a full-scale study. Feedback from parents and clinicians was positive.

Conclusion

The findings confirm the feasibility of a full-scale trial to determine whether Kaspar is an effective social skills intervention for children with ASD in an NHS setting.