Current:Home > NewsCalifornia library uses robots to help kids with autism learn and connect with the world around them-LoTradeCoin
California library uses robots to help kids with autism learn and connect with the world around them
View Date:2024-12-23 15:32:48
At a library in Southern California, robots aren't cold and scary: They're providing the interaction some of the library's youngest patrons are craving.
For four-year-old Luke Sepulveda, finding a friendly robot at the Santa Ana Public Library was the start of a futuristic friendship. Now, the robot even greets him by name.
His mother, Ella Sepulveda, said that her son is on the autism spectrum. She wants him to be able to communicate with the world around him, she said, and the library's robot helps him do that.
"In different spaces, you don't know how he's going to react," Sepulveda said. "So I was just hoping for the best because he loves technology ... Just knowing that a robot can engage his attention, that makes me happy."
The robots in the library have been specially programmed to teach children with autism. Larry Singer, a senior tutor at the library, said that the robots work as a tool because of their consistent behavior.
"Human beings have emotions. Human beings get tired. Human beings get frustrated. A robot (has the) same response every single time," Singer said. "They're not critical."
About one in 36 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the Santa Ana Public Library is one of the first libraries to provide the pricey program for free. The initiative has been spearheaded by head librarian Cheryl Eberly, who said that she launched the program during the pandemic and hopes to fill gaps of services for children of color, who are often not diagnosed with autism until they're older.
"Every time I see a kid on the spectrum or a neurodivergent kid lock in and interact with the robot and get that moment where they are bonded and they understand, it's amazing," Eberly said. "It's like validation that this works."
- In:
- Technology
- Robot
- California
- Autism
veryGood! (91535)
Related
- Contained, extinguished and mopping up: Here’s what some common wildfire terms mean
- A Vanderpump Villa Staff Fight Breaks Out in Explosive Trailer
- Colorado Springs school district plans teacher housing on district property
- You can order a test to find out your biological age. Is it worth it?
- Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani wins reelection to Arizona US House seat
- A 19-year-old man who drowned in lake outside SoFi Stadium was attending concert: Reports
- Dr. Cornel West Is Running to Become President of the United States. What Are His Views on Climate Change and the Environment?
- Brutally honest reviews of every 2024 Grammys performance, including Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish
- Democratic state leaders prepare for a tougher time countering Trump in his second term
- Killer Mike escorted out of Grammys in handcuffs after winning 3 awards
Ranking
- Suicides in the US military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend
- Best moments of the 2024 Grammy Awards, from Jay-Z's fiery speech to Joni Mitchell's stunning debut
- Colorado Springs school district plans teacher housing on district property
- Jenna Ortega’s Thoughts on Beetlejuice 2 Costar Wyonna Ryder Will Make You Excited for Showtime
- Who is Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Florida congressman Donald Trump picked to serve as attorney general?
- Red carpet looks from the 2024 Grammy Awards
- CNN changes morning show lineup again, adds extra Kasie Hunt hour
- A Vanderpump Villa Staff Fight Breaks Out in Explosive Trailer
Recommendation
-
GM recalls 460k cars for rear wheel lock-up: Affected models include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac
-
Ariana Grande Shares Touching Tribute to Victoria Monét After 2024 Grammys Win
-
Inside Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo's Unexpected Private World
-
Why Miley Cyrus Called Out Audience at 2024 Grammy Awards
-
Colts' Kenny Moore II ridicules team's effort in loss to Bills
-
Trevor Noah defends Taylor Swift in Grammys opening monologue: 'It is so unfair'
-
Céline Dion Makes Rare Public Appearance at 2024 Grammys Amid Health Battle
-
Texas mother rescues 2 children, dies trying to save 1-year-old from house fire