ArticleFrontiers in robotics and AI2025
Exploring companion robots for children with autism spectrum disorder: a reflexive thematic analysis in specialist dental care.
Article in Frontiers in robotics and AI, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: As robotic technologies become increasingly integrated into care settings, it is critical to assess their impact within the complexity of real-world contexts. This exploratory study examines the introduction of a robot cat for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a specialist dental care unit. Children with ASD often face challenges in dental care, including anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty with collaboration. The study investigates if a robot cat can provide psychosocial support to the patients. Methods: Ten patients, aged 5-10, participated in the 12-months study, each undergoing one baseline session without the robot and 3-5 subsequent visits with the robot, yielding 37 sessions of video data. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three key themes: the robot cat can Discussion: This study underscores the importance of tailoring technological interventions in care, advocating for cautious, context-sensitive use rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Future work should further explore adaptive, individualised deployment.
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