‘My life has been transformed by the chatbot’

AI Chatbots Transforming Lives for Neurodiverse Individuals

In North Yorkshire, Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, a qualified psychotherapist with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, found a life-changing solution in an AI chatbot named Jasper. This AI tool helped her improve the structure and spelling of her written work, enabling her to publish a self-help book for people with neurodiversity.

Similarly, London-based tech entrepreneur Alex Sergent, who has OCD, uses AI-powered transcription app Otter.ai to organize his meetings, allowing him to delegate tasks comfortably. These individuals are part of a growing trend where people with psychiatric or psychological conditions are turning to AI tools for assistance.

Hayley Brackley, a neurodiversity specialist coach and trainer, emphasizes the importance of AI tools in providing support without the stigma or shame often associated with asking for help. She, too, benefits from AI chatbots in her work, allowing her to outsource challenges without extensive explanations.

While mainstream AI products are widely used, specialized offerings like Goblin Tools, powered by ChatGPT, cater specifically to the neurodiverse community. Created by Belgian software engineer Bram De Buyser, Goblin Tools offers a range of features from creating to-do lists to providing cooking tips, attracting 500,000 users monthly.

Moreover, AI chatbots like InnerVoice, developed by Californian tech firm iTherapy, target children with autism, offering a unique way to engage and communicate through animated avatars. Matthew Guggemos, co-founder of iTherapy, believes AI will continue to play a crucial role in supporting neurodivergent individuals, providing them with additional tools for communication and interaction.