Talk · IEEE RO-MAN · August 25, 2025

Practitioner Insights on Working with Robots in Autism Therapy: Findings from a Year-Long Interaction in an Autism Center

Aida Amir, Nurziya Oralbayeva, Aida Tungatarova, Zhansaule Telisheva, Anara Sandygulova

Abstract

Robot-Mediated Interventions (RMIs) promise to help autism specialists support children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). This practice focuses on developing robot-enhanced support systems in which social robots act as assistants and mediators in autism therapy. Understanding the perspectives and experiences of autism specialists is key to evaluating the added value of robots in educational and therapeutic settings. For this purpose, our team collaborated with an autism center, where over 100 children with ASC participated in RMI sessions one to two times per week for one year. As part of the study, we conducted in-depth interviews with two practitioners, exploring their attitudes toward embedding robots into their daily work and practices. We analyzed data on four key themes-acceptance of RMI, evaluations of RMI effects, procedural outcomes and potential improvements. The results highlight the positive acceptance of robots in autism therapy, although practitioners raised concerns about functional and technical limitations. The findings suggest practical considerations for researchers, practitioners, and robot developers in the design and implementation of RMIs.

Social Robot Interaction and HRIAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchHuman-Animal Interaction Studiessocial robotsautism spectrum disorderautism treatment

Practitioner Insights on Working with Robots in Autism Therapy: Findings from a Year-Long Interaction in an Autism Center

Abstract

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