Individual Exercise: Autism Using AI

AI inzetten bij Autisme

For people with autism, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming and unpredictable. Communication often involves social rules, nonverbal cues, and stimuli that are not always easy to process. Many traditional forms of support fail to adequately address this.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities for personalized, accessible, and low-stimulus support. Consider digital tools like chatbots, planners, and virtual assistants that communicate at a user's own pace and without judgment. A powerful example is the Autismeportaal chatbot , specifically designed to answer questions, provide structure, and support daily challenges.

In this exercise, we explore how AI can be used to gain a better grip on daily life, social situations, and emotions. You'll reflect on your own experiences, try out an AI chatbot, and discover how you can use technology as an ally in your unique way of thinking and acting.

Ready to make technology work for you?

Why is AI useful for people with autism?

• Low-stimulus contact : AI communicates via text or speech without facial expressions, tone variations, or social pressure.

• Predictability : The interaction is structured and responds to fixed patterns, which provides peace and stability.

• Patience and repetition : AI never gets irritated and can repeat or explain endlessly.

• 24/7 availability : No waiting lists or closing times—always accessible.

• Personal adaptation : AI tools can adapt to language use, learning style and emotional needs.

Exercise: “Discover how AI can help you”

Objective : Learn how AI can support your daily life and experience the benefits yourself through a chatbot.

Step 1: Self-insight

Answer the following questions:

• In what situations do you quickly feel overstimulated?

• What tasks do you find difficult (e.g. planning, social communication)?

• Are you already using technology to support you? If so, how?

Step 2: Try an AI chatbot

Go to the chatbot Edith from Autism Portal and start a conversation. For example, ask:

• “Can you help me plan my day?”

• “What can I do when I feel overwhelmed at school or work?”

Reflection : How did you experience the interaction? Was it comfortable communicating at your own pace?

Step 3: Simulate a daily situation

Choose a situation that you find stressful, for example:

• You must make an appointment by telephone.

• You forgot to put something in your agenda.

Let AI help you! Ask Edith or another chatbot.

“How can I handle this without feeling overwhelmed?”

Step 4: Create your own AI routine

Make a list of tasks that AI can help you with, such as:

• Organize tasks through an AI-powered calendar app

• Ask for feedback via a chatbot about your social post

• Emotion regulation through an AI-supported breathing exercise

Bonus ideas for further exploration

• Use Copilot, ChatGPT or Gemini to summarize difficult texts

• Let AI practice conversations that you find exciting

• Write diary entries and ask AI for self-reflection suggestions

Theoretical framework: AI as a support tool for autism

1. Neurodiversity as a starting point

The neurodiversity movement argues that autism is not a condition to be "cured," but a natural variation in human thought and experience. From this perspective, support focuses not on normalization, but on empowerment and removing obstacles.

• Autism is seen as a different neurological wiring

• Interventions should be tailored to the person's strengths and needs

• AI can contribute to self-reliance and independent functioning without the pressure of social adjustment

2. Social and communication barriers in autism

People with autism often experience difficulties in social communication, such as:

• Interpreting nonverbal signals

• Having spontaneous conversations

• Emotion regulation in social situations

AI technology (such as chatbots and voice assistants) offers an accessible alternative:

• Conversations without social pressure

• Responses that are predictable and repeatable

• Help with structure, planning and daily routines

3. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) & AI

Human-computer interaction is crucial to the success of AI support. HCI research emphasizes:

• Usability: Interfaces should be simple and intuitive

• Personalization: technology must adapt to the individual

• Trust relationship: regular, positive interactions promote acceptance

Example: The chatbot Edith from Autismeportaal.nl offers a safe conversation environment in which someone can feel heard without being judged.

4. Evidence-based approach

Although AI is relatively new in autism care, there are already studies reporting positive effects:

• Improved task organization and self-awareness

• Less stress in social interactions

• Increasing autonomy in daily activities

Research into applications such as virtual coaches, social robotics and conversation models shows that AI is a valuable addition to existing forms of guidance.

5. Ethics and digital inclusion

AI must always be deployed with respect for the user's privacy, autonomy and digital skills:

• Guidance in using technology is essential

• AI should not replace human support, but complement it

• Transparency about operations and data usage is crucial