Encouraging social interaction skills in children with autism playing with robot: A case study evaluation of triadic interactions involving children with autism, other people (peers and adults) and a robotic toy

This paper is part of an investigation into what ways and to what extent a robot can assume the role of a social mediator - encouraging autistic children to interact with the robot, with each other and with co-present adults. The article focuses on the potential added benefits of an experienced investigator using the robot as assistive tool in these triadic interactions. The paper provides a case study evaluation of segments of trials where a robot mediated both indirect and direct interactions between children with autism, the investigator, and other children.