A Robot-Assisted Approach to Small Talk Training for Adults with ASD
This addresses a social integration problem for adults with ASD, though it is incremental as it applies an existing robot-assisted approach to a specific training context.
The study tackled the challenge of small talk for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder by developing an in-home autonomous robot system for practice, resulting in participants enjoying the training, making notable progress in initiating conversations and improving eye contact, and viewing it as a valuable tool.
From dating to job interviews, making new friends or simply chatting with the cashier at checkout, engaging in small talk is a vital, everyday social skill. For adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), small talk can be particularly challenging, yet it is essential for social integration, building relationships, and accessing professional opportunities. In this study, we present our development and evaluation of an in-home autonomous robot system that allows users to practice small talk. Results from the week-long study show that adults with ASD enjoyed the training, made notable progress in initiating conversations and improving eye contact, and viewed the system as a valuable tool for enhancing their conversational skills.