Friendly Robot Helps Children with Autism

EPISODE 29: Friendly Robot Helps Children with Autism

With Dr. Greg Firn, COO, RoboKind

 

INTRO:

Many children and adults on the autism spectrum need help in learning how to act in different types of social situations. They often have the desire to interact with others, but may not know how to engage friends or may be overwhelmed by the idea of new experiences.

 

Today’s guest is Dr. Greg Firn, the Chief Operating Officer for RoboKind. The focus at RoboKind has been to help children with autism learn critical social and behavioral skills and achieve academic success by way of purpose-built humanoid robots that deliver developmental instruction modules that teach critical functional skills. This comprehensive intervention program is called Robots4Autism. Greg’s deep experience and passion for helping under-served children has been instrumental in helping RoboKind develop the products and strategies that will successfully serve the K-12 education market.

 

CONCLUSION:

All students, regardless of their background or ability, should be given the opportunity to realize their full potential. The future is interactive education, and thanks to our friends at RoboKind, we are on our way to engaging, enhancing, and enriching students with diverse and inclusive education. Thanks so much for being a part of My Autism Tribe. Keep up the great work, and I’ll see you next week!

 

ABOUT:

Robots4Autism is a comprehensive intervention program that uses purpose-built humanoid robots to deliver developmental instruction modules that teach critical functional skills.

• The curriculum uses proven best practices for teaching social and behavioral skills.
• The robot, Milo, creates a high-level of engagement between the student and the robot.
• Unlimited repetition of lessons that are 100% consistent.
• Data provided to document and direct student progress.

 

Positive Student Outcomes – Learners with ASD using the Robots4Autism curriculum show observable increases in engagement: eye contact, body language and friendliness. Working with Milo, learners act more appropriately in social situations, self-motivate, self-regulate, and generalize in the population.

 

Benefits –

1. Behavior – Rapid decreases in disruptions and meltdowns; increases in ability to concentrate. Due to Calm Down modules and acceptance of Milo as a friend.
2. Emotional Understanding – Increased understanding of human emotions and their meanings creates a willingness to look at humans directly in their face. Creates confidence and willingness to engage in social situations.
3. Vocabulary – Dramatic increases in verbalization and attempts to use language and expand vocabulary.
4. Home – Changes in behavior and interaction at home and a recognition by parents that things have improved.
5. School – Ability to function in school translates into rapid academic progress. These life-changing benefits often occur after only 1-4 months of interaction with Milo. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.robokind.com

 

PRESS MENTIONS:

https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/education/milo-robot-is-changing-the-way-students-with-autism-learn/289-549737eb-aac2-4d55-ad7f-ebab34d53089

 

https://thejournal.com/articles/2019/04/04/friendly-robot-helps-autistic-kids-practice-social-skills.aspx