Slashdot Mirror
Can Robots Help Children With Autism? (go.com)
An anonymous reader writes: Sunday is World Autism Awareness Day, and landmarks around the world will "light it up blue" as a show of support, including New York's Rockefeller Center and the White House. "Autism spectrum disorders affect an estimated one out of every 68 children in America," President Trump posted Friday, and autistic characters have now even been added to the new Power Rangers movie and on Sesame Street.
But technology could also play a role in improving the live of people with autism spectrum disorders. Reuters is reporting on a robot specifically designed to help teach communication and interaction skills to autistic children, while Vanderbilt University has 20 studies exploring more ways that robotics and technology could help, according to Zachary Warren, an associate professor of pediatrics. "A child may not respond to their mother calling their name but may automatically respond to a robot action or a piece of technology," Warren says after one program which showed improvement in five out of six participants. "If we can use that technology to shift how that child responds, then we may have a very valuable system to that child, that family and maybe for autism intervention."
But technology could also play a role in improving the live of people with autism spectrum disorders. Reuters is reporting on a robot specifically designed to help teach communication and interaction skills to autistic children, while Vanderbilt University has 20 studies exploring more ways that robotics and technology could help, according to Zachary Warren, an associate professor of pediatrics. "A child may not respond to their mother calling their name but may automatically respond to a robot action or a piece of technology," Warren says after one program which showed improvement in five out of six participants. "If we can use that technology to shift how that child responds, then we may have a very valuable system to that child, that family and maybe for autism intervention."
Is this 'hold your breath until you turn blue' day?
No, it's another pointless way for people to feel good about themselves. I saw the blue bulbs for sale at Home Depot yesterday. First thing that came to mind was why the bloody hell don't people just contribute instead of buying and lighting a stupid blue lightbulb.
Hard to imagine that anyone isn't "aware" of autism by this point.
The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
I think the world of Aspergers and other spectrum kids would be vastly improved if people generally would stop trying to get them to "act right." Put away the hammer, stop beating the square peg into the round hole, and things will improve dramatically.
I'm looking at you, teachers.
I once knew a guy definitely on the spectrum who did data entry. I mean 6-8 hours straight. Not sure he even blinked.
I only look human.
My mother is a halfling and my dad is an ogre, so that makes me an Ogreling