Tag Archives: Robot assistive technology for Autism

The Growth In Robot-Assisted Instruction

Teachers have long been integrating technology into the classroom for a variety of purposes (think: engagement strategies, supplemental practice opportunities, and differentiated instruction). 

Even assistive technology has found its place in the classroom. For example, text-to-speech and speech-to-text applications help students with learning disabilities participate in learning activities. Other programs offer specialized instruction for spelling or math, with dynamic feedback. You can even learn more about assistive robots from various online resources.

For children with ASD, robots can provide a unique benefit to instruction. Robots present as non-threatening and are easy to interact with. Robots have no expectations of the individual and remove judgment and social cue barriers that are often difficult for children with ASD to interpret. Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, robots can adapt to the child’s learning style. 

Robot-assisted instruction, or RAI, is becoming increasingly popular as a highly efficient and beneficial teaching tool that can be utilized in a variety of settings for one main goal: to support a child’s learning. 

Families can purchase a robot system for their home to help their children with individual goals. Schools can use them as interventions for particular student learning goals. Therapists can even use them in therapeutic settings to support a child socially and emotionally. The benefits of RAI are endless and many have seen the results!