Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 Months to 72 Months

Using a social robot to improve communication skills in children with autism

Official title: Interactive Mirroring Games wIth sOcial Robot (IOGIOCO) and Robotic System Adapted Into a Clinical Scale (RISCALE)

Run by Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS · NCT06855446 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a robot can help children with autism improve their communication skills through fun games and interactions.

More Autism Spectrum Disorder trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Months to 72 Months
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorFondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 14, 2023
Main results expectedApril 2025
Study endsMay 2025
Registry record updatedMarch 3, 2025
Trial IDNCT06855446 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are preschool children aged 2-6 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Probably not a fit

Patients with known genetic or metabolic diseases may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a training protocol using the humanoid robot NAO to enhance socio-communicative skills in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The intervention involves interactive mirroring games that promote nonverbal communication through triadic interactions between the child, the robot, and a therapist. The training is structured into six levels, starting with familiarization and progressing to more complex tasks. The study aims to assess improvements in communicative gestures and social skills using a standardized scale.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance communication abilities in children with autism, leading to better social interactions.

How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with similar robotic interventions in children with autism, indicating potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* known genetic or metabolic diseases

Where it's running

  • Santa Maria Nascente, Milano, Italy 20148
    Milan, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.