Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Emotional Intervention Protocol

The main aim of this study is to show an intervention protocol for emotional deficits through the use of robotics as a therapeutic tool in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Pepper, the humanoid robot which is capable of detecting emotions and is designed to interact with people, was used together with the Empatica E4 bracelet, a portable device during interactive and invasive states, capable of collecting physiological data such as electrodermal activity that reflects changes in the skin's electrical resistance (conductance) due to different types of emotions. This intervention takes place through the relationship between the psychological state originated by therapy sessions and the galvanic skin response throughout the sessions based on pivotal area training, complemented with a set of psychological tests that verify the diagnosis of ASD and the evolution of the disorder during therapy.