Utilising humanoid robots to assist children with autism learn about Visual Perspective Taking

Abstract

In this paper we provide an overview of the study we have recently conducted investigating the possibility of using humanoid robots to teach children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) about Visual Perspective Taking (VPT). VPT is the ability to see the world from another person's perspective, something that children with ASC often find difficult. Using a humanoid has a distinct advantage in this situation because the robots Field Of View (FOV) can be shown directly to the children using a screen to display what the robot can see from the camera in its eye. Our study working with 12 children in a local special needs secondary school indicates that using this approach to teach children with ASC about VPT has some potential.