The transformative power of AI chatbots goes beyond being just an interesting novelty for some individuals. People with conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and OCD are finding that AI chatbots are making a significant impact on their lives. Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, a psychotherapist from North Yorkshire, has struggled with written assignments due to her conditions. However, the introduction of an AI chatbot named Jasper transformed her life by helping her improve the structure and spelling of her written work. She even used Jasper to write and publish a self-help book for people with neurodiversity.
Another individual who has found AI beneficial is Alex Sergent, a tech entrepreneur from London who has OCD. He uses an AI-powered transcription app called Otter.ai to record and organize his meetings. AI has allowed him to delegate tasks comfortably, alleviating the burden of his extreme attention to detail and rituals. It provides individuals like Alex with a sense of comfort and relief in completing tasks without having to face the challenges that their conditions present.
One of the reasons why people with psychiatric or psychological conditions are drawn to AI tools is the absence of shame or stigma. Hayley Brackley, a neurodiversity specialist coach and trainer with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, explains that AI allows her to outsource her challenges without having to overly explain herself to another person. She draws a comparison to using a crutch when one has difficulty walking; if AI can make the working world easier for neurodiverse individuals, then there is a strong argument for its use.
Hayley’s work with companies and their neurodiverse employees reveals that some companies are more receptive to introducing assistive AI tools than others. However, she believes that if AI is available to the entire workforce, it benefits everyone. Implementing tools for a minority ends up benefiting the majority without disadvantaging anyone.
While many AI tools used by the neurodiverse community are mainstream products, some offerings are specifically developed for this community. Goblin Tools is a website and app powered by ChatGPT, designed to assist users with various tasks, such as creating to-do lists, making sentences more formal, checking email tones, estimating time requirements, and even offering cooking tips. The creator, Bram De Buyser, developed the tool as a way to alleviate struggles experienced by his neurodivergent friends. The website now receives 500,000 users per month, and while it is free to use, there is a cost associated with downloading the app versions.
In addition to tools for adults, AI chatbots have also been created specifically for children with neurodiversity, such as InnerVoice. InnerVoice, developed by Californian tech firm iTherapy, is aimed at supporting children with autism. The app allows parents to animate objects or people from the child’s life, such as their favorite toy or pet, turning them into talking avatars on a phone or computer screen. Matthew Guggemos, co-founder of iTherapy, believes that AI has the potential to provide neurodivergent individuals with additional tools and help them communicate with less effort.
In conclusion, AI chatbots have proven to be transformative for individuals with neurodiversity. These tools help overcome the challenges presented by conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and OCD by offering assistance with writing, organizing, and communication. The absence of shame or stigma associated with using AI allows individuals to seek help without the need for extensive explanations. While some companies are more open to implementing AI tools for their neurodiverse workforce, the benefits extend beyond the minority to the majority. Moreover, there are AI tools specifically designed for neurodiverse individuals, offering a range of functions and support. With the potential to improve communication and provide additional tools, AI is set to play an increasingly prominent role in assisting neurodivergent individuals in the future.
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