Robots Teach Autistic Kids Social Skills

posys writes "Wired Magazine has an article showing how the eternal patience of robots lends itself well to teaching new social skills to autistic children. 'The researchers hope that the end result is a human-like robot that can act as a "social mediator" for autistic children, a steppingstone to improved social interaction with other children and adults. "KASPAR provides autistic children with reliability and predictability. Since there are no surprises, they feel safe and secure," Robins said, adding that the purpose is not to replace human interaction and contact but to enhance it. Robins has already tested some imitation and turn-taking games with the children and his preliminary findings are positive.'"

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Next: Teaching Social Skills to Slashdot Reader

[Cr0w T. Trollbot]

Slashdoter: "No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!"

Robot: "Women are not impressed by your vast array of Monty Python Quotes."

Slashdoter: "I'll bite your kneecaps off!"

Robot: "Women are not impressed by your vast array of Monty Python Quotes."

Slashdotter: "It's merely resting, pining for the fjords."

Robot: "Women are not impressed by your vast array of Monty Python Quotes."

Next week: Watch the Robot attempt to disuade the Slashdotter from using an "In Soviet Russia" joke.

Slashdoter: "In Soviet Russia, robot programs you!"

Robot: "I'm just not getting through to you, am I?"

Crow T. Trollbot

Re:Ummm

[$RANDOMLUSER]

It just means we'll have a bunch of slightly-more-social-than-usual autistic kids who speak with a robotic voice.

Who offer to let you bite their shiny metal ass.

Huh?

[Das Auge]

That's even worse than having a eunuch teach me about sex.