DUBAI, UAE – A Filipino specialist in helping children with autism has broken new ground by advocating for advancement in education for children with autism through innovation using social robots.
“This work is so rewarding because I get to see the transformative impact it has on the lives of the people I serve. Despite the challenges I have faced, the rewards are immeasurable,” said Lilac Perez Hosala Schonberg, who completed her degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila’s Makati campus and later upgraded to an AI and Mechatronics program at Oxford University.
Schonberg, one of the most influential figures in education in the Middle East, said his advocacy for children with autism began while he was doing a Masters in Social Psychology with a focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at the Pearson Institute of Higher Education.
Genuine Exchange
“Working with people on the autism spectrum has allowed me to have authentic interactions, and I love that. They’re so genuine. Most of the autistic people I’ve seen are beautiful, outspoken people, and I’m so fascinated by them that I’ve been able to integrate robotics to accommodate their behavior,” Schonberg said.
She said robotics has proven effective in helping people with autism by enhancing social, communication, behavioral and cognitive development.
Schonberg further explained: “The robot provides consistent, personalized interactions that help children practice social responses, improve communication and learn basic life skills. It also assists in identifying and regulating emotions, and provides a safe, engaging environment for learning and behavior modification.”
Support Center
Schonberg, who now runs the UAE’s first support centre for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), said that while robotics is not a universal solution, “when integrated into a broader interdisciplinary approach, it can be a valuable tool in treating autism.”
Autism typically manifests itself in a non-verbal and non-eye contact way, she said, but “children with autism are very responsive when it comes to technology. They can interact and engage with social robots. They can carry on discussions, give hints and even express emotions,” Schonberg emphasized.
Schonberg, a breast cancer survivor, also created a personalized curriculum for building social skills, using methods that have been tested for more than five years.
Early signs
Schonberg said early symptoms that may indicate a child has autism include difficulties with social interactions, such as avoiding eye contact or not responding when called by name, difficulty communicating verbally and nonverbally, repetitive behaviors or a strong preference for certain topics or activities.
“They may also have a preference for routine and a resistance to change. If you notice these signs, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified professional who can carry out a thorough evaluation and make a formal diagnosis, if necessary,” Schonberg said.
She said parents of children with autism “should adopt a supportive and individualized approach.”
Unique
“Each child with autism is unique, so it’s important to celebrate their strengths and understand their challenges. Creating a structured environment with clear routines helps them feel safe, and clear, patient communication helps them understand and respond,” Schonberg said.
She added that encouraging social interaction in a controlled environment helps develop social skills. Involving children with autism in decision-making can also boost their self-confidence, she said.
Schonberg also stressed the importance of seeking specialized support from professionals such as speech, occupational and behavioral therapists for targeted interventions.
“Additionally, caring for a child with autism can be challenging, so it’s important for parents to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Staying up to date on the latest research and adapting to your child’s changing needs will help you provide the best support as they grow,” Schonberg said. —KBK, GMA Integrated News