Social robot-assisted board games to improve socio-emotional skills in children with autism

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing a robot-assisted board game program to conventional occupational therapy for children with autism. Over 8 weeks, participants engage in 30-minute sessions once a week, using a Kebbi Air social robot with a custom board game curriculum designed to teach basic emotions and non-verbal cues. The robot presents scenarios, questions, and cues while a licensed occupational therapist facilitates learning and peer interaction. Outcomes focus on socio-emotional functioning, including emotion recognition and social engagement. The study assesses feasibility and preliminary efficacy of integrating robotics into therapy for pediatric ASD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children aged 4 to 10 years, of any biological sex.
2. Confirmed clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
3. Cognitive ability: Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Toddlers (CDIIT) results indicating borderline to normal cognitive function, with a Developmental Quotient (DQ) \>= 70.
4. Socio-emotional ability: CDIIT socio-emotional subscale indicating borderline development, with a Developmental Quotient (DQ) between 70 and 84.
5. Legal guardian provides written informed consent and child provides assent where appropriate.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to comprehend or engage in interactive activities involving the Kebbi Air robot or physical board games.
2. Presence of other primary diagnoses affecting emotional or social functioning, such as severe neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric disorders, or ASD with severe emotional disturbances that prevent participation in intervention activities (CDIIT DQ \< 70).
3. Inability to commit to regular weekly intervention sessions, or parental unwillingness to participate in required observational assessments and questionnaire completion.
4. Strong behavioral resistance or severe aversion to digital interactive tools or board game activities.
5. Inability to follow simple two-step verbal instructions after a preliminary 10-minute trial assessment conducted by the occupational therapist.

Where it's running

• National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch
  Huwei, Yunlin, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Liao Shuyi, Ms
• Email: kukocliao@gmail.com
• Phone: +886-5-6330002#574322

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.