Using educational robotics to support motor, cognitive, and social skills in a child with spinal muscular atrophy. A single-case study

This study reports the results of a single-case intervention involving a child with spinal muscular atrophy. The aim of the study was to promote fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, attentional behaviors, and learning. The treatment was based on the RE4BES protocol, which consists of a set of guidelines for conducting tailored educational robotics activities designed for children with special needs. We employed an experimental single-case ABA design, including Baseline 1 (A1), Treatment (B), and Baseline 2 (A2), with eight sessions per phase. The treatment phase involved activities with Blue-Bot and LEGO® WeDo 2.0. Results showed significant improvements in gross and fine motor skills from baseline to the treatment phase, with these gains maintained after the intervention. Moreover, in alignment with the main goals of school inclusion for people with special needs, results demonstrated that the intervention also improved awareness, flexibility, cooperation, and initiative within the classroom. Despite the study's limitations, the findings support the effectiveness of the RE4BES protocol and suggest that educational robotics can be a valuable tool in special education settings.