Humanoid robots as an autism intervention tool to improve social behaviors and understanding presented by Dr. Pam Rollins and Michelle McFarlin

1. Humanoid Robots as an Autism
Intervention Tool to Improve Social
Behaviors and Understanding
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2. Objectives
At the end of the session, participants will:
1. Understand why Robots4Autism was developed
2. Realize the benefits of robot therapy for children
with autism
3. Recognize the research and experience behind the
curriculum and intervention expectations
4. Receive a description of the demonstration site
program
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3. Who is RoboKind?
Innovative leader in robotics industry
Nation’s top experts in robotics, artificial intelligence,
and electrical, mechanical and software engineering
Breakthrough technology
World’s most human-like robot
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4. Autism Prevalence
Dramatic increase in the last 30 years
One in 88 children and one in 54 boys are identified
with autism spectrum disorders (Centers for Disease
Control, March 2012)
Lifelong social and behavioral challenges
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5. Robots4Autism by RoboKind
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Next Generation of Autism Therapy
• Breakthrough technology
• Human-like expressive faces
• Research-based curriculum
• Innovative, engaging, motivates intrinsically
• Robot-human interaction
• Functioning body
• Interactive lessons
• Affordable
Expanding the Reach of Autism Professionals

6. Autism Expert Collaboration
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Pamela Rollins, M.S., Ed.E, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor - University of Texas-Dallas
Callier Center for Communication Disorders
M.S. – Communications Disorders – University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ed.D. – Human Development and Psychology, Harvard University
• 30+ years autism research, teaching and clinical practice, extensively
published
• Texas Council on Autism and other state leadership positions

7. Autism Expert Collaboration
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Michelle N. McFarlin, MS, CCC-SLP
Founding Director - White Rock Autism (a private practice specializing in
educating and empowering parents of children newly diagnosed with autism)
M.S. - Communication Disorders - University of Texas at Dallas-Callier Center
for Communication Disorders
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
More than 16 years experience in clinical service, research and teaching
She has published and presented ASD related topics at the state and national
level.

8. Reaching Children with Autism
Challenged socially
Mechanically inclined
Need non-threatening interactions
Problems processing biological motion
Using areas of strengths to address areas of weakness
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9. Research Supports Use of Robots
Vanderbilt University, University of Southern
California, RoboKind
Studies show working with robot increases
Appealing
Engagement
Sociability
Speaking
Imitation
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10. Why Robots4Autism?
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• Willingness to interact with the Milo Robot
• Non-threatening interactions
• Intrinsically motivates children
• Facilitates social skills development
• Supplements traditional intervention
Technology Engaging Students with Autism

11. Social Skills Curriculum
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Evidence-Based Practices
• Social narratives
• Video modeling
• Principles of applied behavioral analysis

12. Curriculum Models and Practices
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Students progress through carefully planned curriculum that includes:
• Watching video models of target skills with social narratives
• Identification practice
• Real-life practice with the robot
Learning Topics Include:
• Greetings
• Conversations
• Emotions
• Calm down
• Stress and relaxation

13. Future Curriculum
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• Developmentally lower students
• Lay foundation for social development
• Joint attention
• Motor imitation
• Beginning turn-taking
• Ongoing research validation

14. Seeking Partners
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• Guide the next generation of autism therapy
• Matching Grant Partnership
• Purchase a Robot with the curriculum
• Work with students
• Provide feedback
Help Pioneer the Future of Autism Treatment

15. Questions and Answers
Do you have students who have difficulty interacting
with therapists and/or teachers?
Have you had difficulty keeping children with autism
on track during a session?
Would your institution be interested in participating
as a demonstration site to help develop this
revolutionary therapy tool?
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16. Robots4Autism
Thank you for attending
Claude@robokindrobots.com
Visit us at Booth 324
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