The Neurodivergent Scale for Interacting with Robots (NSIR) is a psychometric tool developed by Stephanie A. Sadownik in 2025 to evaluate the quality and dynamics of the relationship between neurodivergent users and social robots. The NSIR moves beyond simply observing behavior to quantify the neurodivergent user’s subjective, internal experience of interacting with a robot.
Purpose
The scale is used in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) research to ensure that robot designs are inclusive, safe, and effective for the neurodivergent population, who may interpret social cues and build trust differently than neurotypical individuals. It serves as an auditing tool to assess whether ethical design principles translate into a positive lived experience.
Key Dimensions and Items
The NSIR consists of eight specific items that fall into two primary factors:
Factor 1: Anthropomorphic Connection/Kinship
This factor assesses the user’s perception of similarity and bond with the robot. Items in this factor include measures of perceived resemblance, identity, and the formation of a personal connection, such as giving the robot a name. Specific examples include items about sharing thoughts without speaking (mind attribution) and the perceived longevity of the relationship.
Factor 2: Social Comfort/Trust/Safety
This factor focuses on the user’s feelings of emotional security, privacy, and the predictability of the robot’s interactions. It includes items that measure perceived emotional competence, such as the robot understanding feelings, and trust, such as feeling comfortable being vulnerable in the robot’s presence. Consistency in the robot’s behavior is also assessed.
Significance
The NSIR is significant for providing a user-focused evaluation of human-robot interactions, particularly regarding safety and the unique social experiences of neurodivergent individuals, who may find predictable robot interactions preferable to potentially challenging human social dynamics.
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