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Emerging Assistive Technology Analysis

There have been variety of new emerging assistive technologies for specific learners with

disabilities in the past few years. I have a eleven year old nephew with autism, so I focused my

research of assistive technology for students with autism. My nephew, like many other students

with autism, has a very difficult time with verbal skills and communicating with others. One of

the most “cutting edge” assistive technologies being tested with students with autism spectrum

disorders is the social robots.

“There are several types of AT under development for ASDs. These include so called

'social robots' that interact with children and simulate human interactions and emotional states to

help develop social skills such as empathy and nonverbal communication” (Boucher, 2018).

These robots could be more effective than traditional therapies like ABA and other web based

programs and applications if implemented correctly. Of course cost is always something to

consider when determining what assistance to provide. Educating a child with autism can cost

$17,000 to $22,000 a year (Firth, 2015).

The company RoboKind has one of the social robots currently being used called Milo. He

is a 22 inch robot with human features which “is intended to help children learn to express

empathy, self-motivate, and navigate social situations” (Firth, 2015). Milo has screens and you

can monitor from an Ipad to see student’s eye contact, social interactions, frustrations, and

interest levels. The cost for a Milo robot including the curriculum is $5,000. RoboKind's

representative said that some insurance companies have helped reimburse the cost (Firth, 2015).
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It is also important to note that nontechnical assistance is also very important. Assistive

technology can help but only in combination with the assistance of professionals. Teachers

would need to be trained in the technology and curriculum associated with the social robots.

Most parents of students with autism feel that ATs should be financed and provided by the state.

The “core expectations for ATs as being ease of use, flexibility, adaptability and affordability”

(Boucher, 2018). While the apps and therapies that are currently being used are probably more

affordable, social robots could really make a difference in the autonomy provided to a students

with autism.
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Boucher, P. (2018, January). Assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2018/603218/EPRS_IDA(2018)60

3218_EN.pdf

Firth, S. (2015, March 9). Autism Therapy From a Robot?

https://www.medpagetoday.com/pediatrics/autism/50386