@inproceedings{020aab1b0fce4f659b30f5eb368c55e8,
title = "Human-robot interaction as a tool to evaluate and quantify motor imitation behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders",
abstract = "Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have difficulties engaging in imitation behavior. Available clinical tests that evaluate imitation rely on subjective observation and categorical 'yes' or 'no' data. We describe the development of a method to quantify imitation using a robot, kinematic data and a Dynamic Time Warping algorithm. A realistic-looking robot performed movements such as 'waving hello/goodbye', 'good job fist bump' and encouraged children with ASD and controls to imitate it. Preliminary results show that children with ASD interact positively with the robot and the DTW similarity measure may serve as both a meaningful and objective tool for evaluating the quality of imitation behavior.",
keywords = "Autism, Imitation behavior, Kinematics, Robotics",
author = "Nicoleta Bugnariu and Carolyn Young and Katelyn Rockenbach and Patterson, {Rita M.} and Carolyn Garver and Isura Ranatunga and Monica Beltran and Nahum Torres-Arenas and Dan Popa",
year = "2013",
doi = "10.1109/ICVR.2013.6662088",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781479907748",
series = "2013 International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation, ICVR 2013",
publisher = "IEEE Computer Society",
pages = "57--62",
booktitle = "2013 International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation, ICVR 2013",
note = "2013 10th International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation, ICVR 2013 ; Conference date: 26-08-2013 Through 29-08-2013",
}