Enhancing theory of mind in autism through humanoid robot interaction in a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: Autism Spectrum Disorder presents significant challenges in social cognition, particularly in understanding others' thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Traditional interventions often rely on role-playing games with human therapists or inanimate objects, but these approaches may lack consistency and ecological validity. This study integrated Applied Behavior Analysis principles with robot-assisted training to improve social cognition in children with autism. A randomized, two-period crossover trial involving 32 children (mean age = 7.53 ± 1.32 years, 7 females) compared robot-assisted training using the humanoid robot iCub with standard therapy and an active human-assisted control condition. During robot-assisted sessions, children engaged in structured social role-play scenarios, practici

SUBMITTER: Ghiglino D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12307709 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature