Innovazione Clinica e Sostenibilità: L’utilizzo di Robot Sociali e della Tecnologia nella Valutazione e Intervento per Persone con Autismo.

This thesis investigates the contribution of digital and robotic technologies in cognitive assessment and the understanding of functional profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with a specific focus on social cognition and visuospatial abilities. Autism, a complex and highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that lacks objective diagnostic biomarkers, is characterized by significant impairments in Theory of Mind (ToM) and Perspective Taking, skills that are fundamental to social functioning and autonomy and represent some of the most impactful aspects of adaptive functioning in people with ASD. This thesis is structured around three distinct studies aimed at exploring specific cognitive abilities and the potential clinical applicability of technologically advanced tools. The first study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Object Perspective-Taking Test (OPT) and the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD), comparing the performance of individuals with ASD and typically developing (TD) individuals. The results highlighted lower visuospatial performance in the ASD group, emphasizing the clinical relevance of perspective-taking as a potential target for assessment and intervention. The second study examined the ability of Generative Language Models (ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4) to tackle tasks related to cognitive and affective ToM, comparing their responses to those of individuals with ASD and TD. Although the models demonstrated high accuracy in ToM tasks, their verbose and repetitive conversational style showed similarities with that observed in high-functioning individuals with ASD. The third study evaluated the effectiveness of a digital administration via a mobile app and the social robot Pepper compared to the traditional paper-based version of Raven's Progressive Matrices in an ASD sample. This was complemented by heart rate (bpm) monitoring through wearable devices. The results indicated significantly shorter completion times in the digital condition, without an increase in physiological response, suggesting good emotional tolerance and high acceptability of the technology. In summary, the results of the three studies suggest that the integration of digital, robotic, and AI-based tools into clinical practice may support a more personalized, sustainable, and neurodiversity-aware approach to assessment for individuals with ASD. Although exploratory in nature, these findings offer valuable insights for the development of innovative protocols that integrate technology, clinical expertise, and ecological sensitivity.