ABSTRACT
Robot-based interventions have been widely developed, but robots that are designed specifically for the development of autistic children's social communication using modeling techniques have not been developed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop a robot specifically designed to support interventions in developing social communication skills of autistic children and test the feasibility of the robot. METHODS: This research is an R&D study with the ADDIE model, which includes five stages: analysis, design, develop, implementation, and evaluate. A total of 15 respondents were involved in the limited test, and two experts were involved in carrying out the expert test. Data were collected qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed through inference. RESULTS: The study produced interactive robots to develop the social communication of autistic children in aspects of social cognition, non-verbal communication, and verbal communication. The robot is equipped with a wheel feature for moving and a screen for displaying videos. Furthermore, limited testing and expert testing showed the developed robot was fit for use. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this robot is feasible to be used to improve the communication skills of autistic children.
