It's Good to be a Robot!

The 5 Coolest Robots for Kids With Autism
October 11, 2012 – These lifelike machines are helping children on the spectrum interact and pick up on social and emotional cues. – takepart.com - Jenny Inglee

1. Robot Dances Its Way From Autism Therapy to Toys `R' Us
Aug 11, 2011 – My Keepon was originally developed as a therapeutic tool for autistic children who can be overwhelmed by face-to-face interactions. The creators teamed up with toy maker WOW! Stuff, which agreed to dedicate a portion of revenue to autism research. Toys "R" Us Inc. has exclusive rights to sell the robot in the U.S. – Bloomberg Businessweek's Ashlee Vance reports. (Source: Bloomberg)


2. Kaspar the Friendly Robot Helps Autistic Kids
Mar 8, 2011 – Eden Sawczenko used to recoil when other girls held her hand and turned stiff when they hugged her. This year, the 4-year-old autistic girl began playing with a robot that teaches about emotions and physical contact – and now she hugs everyone. – Associated Press


3. A Story of Robots and Autism
Apr 25, 2013 – The young boy, Jack, shyly approaches his friend in a classroom at Whiting Lane Elementary School. This is the last time they’ll see each other, and Jack has a gift for his playmate: a picture of the two of them together, and the words, “I’ll miss you.”
A common enough scene, except the “you” in this case is a humanoid robot programmed by researchers affiliated with the University of Connecticut and Movia Robotics to help children with learning delays like those on the autism spectrum improve their social and communication skills. To learn more about the robot project, visit: UConn


4. RoboKind ZENOs : robots for research
Mar 9, 2011 – Priced from $8,500 to $14,750, RoboKind robots bring you amazing Hanson facial expressions on walking bodies, for the most lifelike robots in the world. With hi-def cameras, numerous sensors, software API, Maxon motors and a powerful embedded computer, RoboKind robots are perfect for RoboCup, robotics, and psychology research. – Robokind Robotics


5. Robots teach communication to kids with autism
Apr 29, 2013 – The learning tools, made by French company Aldebaran Robotics, are being used to teach children with autism about the subtleties of human communication and emotion and to bring them out of their shells in the classroom. – Aldebaran Robotics, NBC's Michelle Kosinski

Movies from Another Planet

The presence of people with disabilities on the screen – both big and small, as both documentary and fictitious characters – can only help to remove the taboo of disability and activate the inclusion of those with disabilities. Here are five movies worth watching about and featuring special children.

My Left Foot (1989)
Watch this unforgettable but inspiring clip!

This classic is based on the autobiography of Irish writer and painter Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), who had cerebral palsy. Growing up impoverished in Ireland, Brown had very limited communication as a child, but went on to use the tremendous dexterity in his toes not only to write, but to paint and have a remarkable art career. Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker both won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, respectively.

Lorenzo's Oil (1992)
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Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte give brilliant performances as parents trying to save the life of their son Lorenzo in George Miller's harrowing and heartbreaking Lorenzo's Oil. They are told that Lorenzo has been diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare and incurable nerve disease that is always fatal. When they are told to be patient as they watch their son sink further into the debilitating illness, they take matters into their own hands and start their own investigation of the disease. The cast includes 16 special children. Based on a true story.

Son-Rise: The Miracle of Love (1979) (with Spanish subtitles)

Starring James Farentino and Kathryn Harrold. Barry Neil Kaufman and his wife Samahria won the Humanitas Prize for their screenplay of this NBC docudrama, after helping their once-autistic son Raun emerge from the “incurable” illness of autism. Adapted by the biographical book Son-Rise (currently Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues), it is the real life story of how, according to his parents, Raun Kaufman completely recovered from severe autism.

Praying with Lior (2007)
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This tracks the real-life journey of Lior, a boy with a comparatively mild form of Down syndrome, as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah. The film moves beyond the logistics of living with Down syndrome and explores the interaction of disability and faith.

Monica and David (2009)

An upbeat story of a married couple with Down syndrome and their quest for independence. These two high-functioning adults find that as close as they come to living a “normal” life, it always seems out of reach. Available on Netflix.