A recent study found something worth sharing – some children with autism had made steady progress in social connection after working with a small, child-friendly robot during therapy.
Compared to kids in regular therapy or those without support—these children showed stronger improvements in communication and back-and-forth interaction.
The research, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, highlights that when the environment feels safe and predictable, kids open up more easily.
Many autistic children feel more at ease with things that are calm and structured. The robot offered a steady, no-pressure way to practice social skills, without the unpredictability of everyday conversation.
The goal wasn’t to change who they are. It was to gently support their ability to connect, with no pressure, just encouragement.
How the Study Worked
The study followed 60 children with autism, ages 5 to 11, all of whom could follow simple instructions and had average or above-average IQs. They were split into three groups:
- One worked with a therapist and a robot
- One worked with just a therapist
- One had no intervention during the 12-week study period.
The robot, named NAO, was about the size of a toddler with blinking eyes and a friendly face. Each week, the robot helped guide kids through fun and structured activities, like turn-taking games, storytelling, imitation, singing, and emotional expression.
The human-only group did the same program, just without the robot.
Before and after the 12 weeks, all the children were evaluated. One assessment looked at their ability to communicate socially. The other was a parent questionnaire about how their child interacted in everyday life.
What They Found
Children in the robot group made the biggest gains in two-way conversations and social connection. On the hands-on tests, their growth outpaced the other two groups. Parents also reported progress. Both the robot and human-only groups showed more improvement than those with no support.
The researchers said the robot sessions were effective—but they also pointed out the need for follow-up studies to see if these benefits last over time and carry into daily life.
What This Means for Families
For parents—especially those who homeschool or unschool—this may resonate. Kids grow when they’re supported. Whether it’s with a therapist, a robot, or just you at home, what matters is creating space for connection, not forcing it.
At Nevada Autism Center, we believe every child has their own rhythm. We’re here to walk beside you—no judgment, no pressure. If you’re curious about new research, looking for practical support, or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here for you. Reach out to Nevada Autism Center today.
