A feasibility study of using Kaspar, a humanoid robot for speech and language therapy for children with learning disabilities

Approximately 286,000 children in the UK have a learning disability, with 50%-90% of the learning disabled population having communication difficulties. About 89% of people with learning disabilities need speech and language therapy intervention. In fact, speech and language therapy is a crucial service that promotes inclusive communication and accessible information for children with learning disabilities. It improves their quality of life, enabling them to build relationships and achieve their potential. Whilst a vast amount of research has investigated communication interventions and their impact on children with Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), the possibility of using state of the art robotics technology, specifically focused on SLC therapies has had very little investigation. This research will be a pioneering study, using the humanoid robot Kaspar as a therapeutic tool for children with learning disabilities in need of SLC therapies to investigate how robotic technology could help these children.