Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of humanoid robot on social skills, concentration and mobility in children with autism. Methods 10 autistic children were asked to interact with humanoid robot NAO in a teaching environment that involves active participation of the robot. The eye-contact and social interaction, as well as performances in accomplishing learning objectives were observed. Results The 10 children exhibited more concentrated gazing and significantly longer periods of silence. The actual number of interaction of the behavior Gazing of 9 children exceeded 50% of the theoretical one, the success rate of which reaching 50%. For the behavior Waving, 5 children were able to interact for more than 50% of the theoretical times, with an accuracy of performance of 50% in 7 children. For Say Hello, 7 children were able to interact for more than 50% of the theoretical times, with an accuracy of performance of 50% in 4 children. Conclusion Application of humanoid robots NAO may improve the social skills, concentration and mobility in autistic children.

Key words: autism spectrum disorders, children, humanoid robot NAO, Applied Behavior Analysis, experimental design