Traditional Versus Mechatronic Toys in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Functional and developmental outcomes in children (both healthy and with developmental disorders) can be significantly improved thanks to use of appropriate toys. There is need for new generation of toys providing development of motor, cognitive, and social skills. There is also need for more objective assessment of their positive influence functional and cognitive achievements of children because current evidence remains incomplete. Mechatronic tools, such as robots and artificial animals, should receive increased attention of scientists and clinicians due to improved performance of children with autism spectrum disorders. Development of novel toy-related technologies can stimulate new approaches applied in the area of diagnosis, intervention and care. This study aims at assessment how mechatronic toys can be better incorporated into therapy of children with autism spectrum disorders - ASD.