احمد احمدی

This study aimed to design an educational program based on social robot technology and examine its impact on the social skills and academic achievement motivation of students with high-functioning autism. A mixed-methods approach was employed, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative components. In the qualitative phase, content analysis was applied, while in the quantitative phase, a single-subject design was utilized. To validate the educational program, ۲۱ experts at the doctoral and doctoral student level were selected through convenience sampling. Following validation, ۱۰ virtual environments based on the NAO social robot (named Arash) were designed.

In the quantitative phase, participants were sampled from the target population of all students with high-functioning autism in Tehran aged ۸ to ۱۵ years. Using convenience sampling, six participants were selected. After the baseline assessment phase, the educational program was developed using the NAO robot. The finalized program, following pilot testing and refinement, was implemented over three months with the assistance of a trainer, the researcher, and the presence of parents. The participants engaged in baseline phase A (۷ sessions), intervention phase B (۱۴ sessions), withdrawal phase A (or second baseline, ۶ sessions), intervention phase B (۵ sessions), and a one-month follow-up.

Data analysis using visual i  ection and the Reliable Change Index (RCI) demonstrated that all participants showed improvements in both social skills and academic achievement motivation. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the educational program designed with the NAO social robot effectively enhances social skills and academic achievement motivation in students with high-functioning autism.