Short Term Effect Evaluation of IROMEC Involved Therapy for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Research tends to show a reduced playfulness in children with intellectual disabilities. This hampers engagement in play which in turn is a threat to participation in children’s most important occupation, potentially inhibiting health and well-being. The reported study evaluates short-term effects of the IROMEC robot toy supporting play in an occupational therapy intervention for children with intellectual disabilities. Three young children took part in this single-subject design study in which the robot intervention alternated with traditional toys guided by the responsible occupational therapists. Evaluation was performed through Test of Playfulness (ToP), the IROMEC evaluation questionnaire and qualitative evaluation by the therapists. Results indicated large differences within subject in ToP, gradually increasing IROMEC questionnaire scores, qualitative results indicated appreciation of the robot potential for therapists and children. Long term effect evaluation should verify these positive indications resulting from use of this innovative social robot for children with intellectual disabilities.