This article is the second in a series of three articles on autism and technology. There is an open dialogue involving empathic robots with us on a deep emotional level. The ultimate goal is to have created machines that serve as companions and friends. Is it the state-of-the-art technology we’ve been dreaming about – or a slippery slope that we will live to regret?
second part
Sometimes a friend is just a friend. For some people with autism, friendship may not fit the traditional definition. Friends may be limited to the imagination because of social anxiety or the inability to verbalize with another person. Building friendships for so many people on the spectrum is extremely difficult, which minimizes social contact outside the home. The introduction of robots into society is not without controversy, opponents of the latter trend that socialization skills are actually prevented from interacting with robots. In addition, some raise objections based on religious and moral considerations, citing robots used for illicit purposes. It is important to note that the intention of this article is to identify the positive results of autistic interactions between adults and robots. We can certainly agree that isolation and loneliness are debilitating factors in the lives of seniors and special needs populations around the world.
Lifestyles continue to evolve in terms of communication, work and recreational activities. Having access to a network of family and friends is something we all cherish in our lives. For many autistic people, sensory challenges take precedence over having meaningful social relationships. Subsequently, it is not uncommon to have close ties to a pet, a cartoon character or a favorite television character, or even imaginary friends. Given the propensity to bond with strangers or even inanimate objects, having a friendship with a robot does not seem to be such a different idea. In fact, it is advantageous to have a robot programmed not only for shopping, but also to engage in stimulating conversations. Fortunately, robots can be programmed to be more than just conversation elements, offering additional health and safety benefits.
The needs of the autistic community are as vast and diverse as those of this segment of the population. Personal robotics is becoming a viable option offering unlimited potential for good in all our lives. The autism community could support its quest for inclusion in the labor market, while allowing more individuals in the spectrum to lead an independent life. Having an apartment in which to live while earning a salary is just a dream for thousands of autistic adults who want more. Robots can remind them of the rent date, when their medications will soon be exhausted, or even call 911 for a medical emergency.
In addition, socializing and memorizing skills can improve significantly over time through daily interactions with a personal robot, as opposed to a pet. The activity can be as simple as planning a meal or balancing a bank account – mental stimulation has far-reaching implications. In addition, the company allows an autistic person to move out of the imaginary realm into a physical reality of forming thoughts or answering questions.
Robots arouse a lot of anxiety among some, so many questions remain unanswered. What we know at this point is that it is possible for society to benefit from this type of technology. As programmers become more creative and involved in the process, we will inevitably see more advanced robots that can perform more complex tasks. This debate will not end in the near future because the verdict is still on the acceptance of robots in our homes and workplaces. In the meantime, we should all seek to learn more about this technology and its impact on our future.