Intervention with a humanoid robot avatar for individuals with social anxiety disorders comorbid with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

For some individuals with social anxiety disorders (SAD) comorbid with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), it is difficult to speak in front of others. Herein, we report the case of a patient with SAD comorbid with ASD who could not speak in front of others until she used a humanoid robot as her avatar. During the intervention, her personality changed from shy to outgoing, which is explained by the Proteus effect. These case findings suggest that interventions with a robot avatar might improve the motivation for individuals with SAD comorbid with ASD who cannot speak in front of others to communicate.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders; Avatar; Motivation; Proteus effect; Robot; Social anxiety disorders.