World’s first large-scale, long-term study to explore how a social robot can support early development for young autistic children at home.
Families taking part in the study will be given their own QTrobot to use at home for 10 months.
Families with a young autistic child are being encouraged to take part in a cutting-edge research project to examine how a specially designed robot, called QTrobot, could help parents support their autistic child with things like communication and social skills.
The study is open to families with children aged from 2 and a half years old to 4 years 9 months old, with either diagnosed or suspected autism, in the West Midlands and surrounding area.
In a research first, families taking part in the study will be given their own QTrobot to use at home for 10 months.
We are looking for families across the West Midlands and the surrounding areas, with either a diagnosed or suspected autistic child, between the ages of 2 and a half and 4 years 9 months. We feel this is such an amazing opportunity for families in our region (...)
The study is being led by researchers from the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) at the University of Birmingham, in partnership with LuxAI and the Luxembourg Institute of Health.
QTrobot has a set of learning activities based on early childhood development and research about the areas of development that autistic children can find challenging, including:
Professor Karen Guldberg, Head of the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, said: “Access to high-quality early support is still limited for many families across the world. By combining research excellence and emerging technology, this study could pave the way for engaging early support for autistic children and their families.”
For me, the process of introducing QTrobot has been incredibly valuable. It’s helping us understand how my son responds to new things, how he adjusts, and what helps him feel safe.
The research project aims to explore what impact this unique approach has on the autistic child, and parents’ knowledge and confidence to support them in their early learning.
Dr Barbara Sandland and Dr Becky Bartram from the University of Birmingham who are leading the research, said: “We are looking for families across the West Midlands and the surrounding areas, with either a diagnosed or suspected autistic child, between the ages of 2 and a half and 4 years 9 months. We feel this is such an amazing opportunity for families in our region, so if you are interested in taking part, please let us know.”
Emiliya, one of the participants in the study alongside her son, said: “For me, the process of introducing QTrobot has been incredibly valuable. It’s helping us understand how my son responds to new things, how he adjusts, and what helps him feel safe. Sometimes the journey is just as important as the end goal.”
Interested families can contact the researchers to find out more about the project and register their interest at qtrobot@contacts.bham.ac.uk. Recruitment for the study closes at the end of February.
For media inquiries please contact Ellie Hail, Communications Officer, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)7966 311 409. Out-of-hours, please call +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
Research Fellow
Dr Barbara Sandland is a Research Fellow within the Autism Centre for Education and Research, having also completed her Masters and PhD at the University of Birmingham.
Research Fellow
Dr Rebecca Bartram is an Early Years education specialist with particular interest in self-regulation, personal, social and emotional development and special educational needs.
Head of the School of Education and Professor of Autism Studies
Professor Karen Guldberg is Head of the School of Education and chairs a government Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group
