For parents of neurodivergent children in Australia, finding effective and engaging therapy options can feel like an ongoing journey.
Traditional speech and occupational therapy remain invaluable, but some children find the social demands of human-to-human interaction overwhelming. This has led many families to explore Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT) — an innovative approach that uses social robots like Matilda to help children build foundational skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment.
Many children on the autism spectrum thrive in predictable, rule-based systems.
Unlike humans — whose facial expressions, tone of voice, and reactions can be subtle and constantly changing — Matilda is consistent and reliable. Her:
This predictability reduces anxiety and allows the child’s brain to focus on learning and engagement, rather than decoding complex social cues.
Learn more about how MyMatilda Robot works.
Before starting a programme with Matilda, consider the following factors.
Does your child naturally gravitate toward:
Children who are already tech-motivated often engage with Matilda more quickly.
Does your child:
For these children, Matilda can act as a gentle social bridge, helping them practise skills without pressure.
Matilda is designed to be sensory-friendly, with:
If your child is sensitive to noise or sudden motion, Matilda can be calibrated to match their individual comfort levels.
Are your therapy goals focused on:
These are areas where Matilda excels, particularly through the research-backed RABI (Robot for Autism Behavioral Intervention) programme.
A common concern parents raise is:
“Will my child only want to talk to the robot?”
Matilda is designed as a social catalyst, not a replacement for human connection.
The goal of robot-assisted therapy is not for the child to bond with a machine, but to practise skills safely with the robot, then apply them with parents, carers, and peers.
In trials, families often report children:
Yes.
Matilda uses visual cues, music, and interactive touchscreens. Many non-verbal children find this visual-first communication style more accessible than verbal-only instructions.
Often, yes.
Many families successfully access Matilda through their NDIS plans under:
It is recommended to discuss suitability with your Support Coordinator or Occupational Therapist.
If your child is struggling to reach social goals in traditional therapy settings, robot-assisted therapy may offer the breakthrough you are looking for.
It’s not about replacing therapy, it’s about providing a new, engaging, and non-threatening pathway for children to explore social interaction at their own pace.
Take the first step toward a new connection.
Contact the team to find a local provider using the RABI programme.
