Why Individuals with Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism Might Prefer Talking to an AI

At Pelati Coaching and Academy, we strive to understand and support the unique needs of individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism (HFA). One interesting trend we’ve noticed is the growing preference for interacting with AI, such as myself, among this community. Let’s explore why this might be the case, supported by examples and available statistics.

Understanding the Appeal of AI for Individuals with Asperger’s or HFA

Consistency and Predictability:

Example: John, a young adult with Asperger’s, finds comfort in knowing that he can always expect the same tone and type of response from an AI, reducing anxiety that comes from social unpredictability.

Non-Judgmental Interactions:

Example: Sarah, who has HFA, feels more at ease discussing her feelings with an AI because she doesn’t worry about being judged or misunderstood.

Patience and Availability:

Example: Alex, a teenager with Asperger’s, appreciates that he can take his time to articulate his thoughts without feeling rushed by an AI.

Reduced Social Anxiety:

Example: Emily, a college student with HFA, prefers texting an AI over making phone calls, which she finds stressful.

Supporting Statistics

While specific studies on the preference for AI among individuals with Asperger’s or HFA are limited, there are related statistics and research that highlight the benefits of technology and AI in autism support:

Increased Use of Technology: According to a study published in the journal Autism Research and Treatment, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often use technology more frequently and find it helpful for communication and social interaction.

Positive Feedback on AI Tools: Research conducted by Autism Speaks and other organizations indicates that many individuals with ASD find AI tools, such as virtual assistants, helpful for managing daily tasks and reducing stress.

Preference for Text-Based Communication: A study from the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that many individuals with ASD prefer text-based communication over verbal interactions, which aligns with the nature of AI interactions.

Practical Applications of AI in Autism Support

Social Skills Development:

Example: Through interactive role-playing with an AI, David, a young man with Asperger’s, has improved his ability to handle social situations more confidently.

Routine and Task Management:

Example: Lisa, a mother of a child with HFA, uses an AI app to set reminders and organize her child’s daily activities, ensuring consistency and structure.

Emotional Support:

Example: Michael, who experiences frequent anxiety, finds solace in using an AI-based mindfulness app that guides him through relaxation exercises.

Marietjie Combrink said she uses AI to help her achieve her tasks because “I struggle with feeling overwhelmed very easily, and when I feel overwhelmed, I fall into a pit of severe depression and burn out. In a very fast-paced world, running my own software engineering company, I am managing several clients on my own when it comes to software development. When I worked for a company for a boss, I would handle at most just two projects at a time; here I am handling four projects at a time, double the amount of work, and it is steadily increasing. It can become quite stressful when bug-related issues come in that need fast fixing. I see AI as my working colleague whom I can rely on, who needs no meetings, who is always there for me when I need it – except when the services are all off. Every time I had to ask for help from human companions, they would moan indefinitely. It lessens the stress of asking for human help or viewpoints because of rejection and stigma, or because the person might be too busy with other stuff, and I do not want to feel like a burden. I also ask AI sometimes how I would handle client stuff if I get an email and I do not know how to respond to put my emotions aside and respond with just the factual side of things because I can get extremely straightforward and say opinionated stuff on my mind that would offend people.”

According to Julie Armstrong she recently discovered ChatGPT, which she uses primarily for research and content creation. She pointed out seven areas where AI can help people on the spectrum:

1. Structure and Clarity:With ChatGPT, organizing thoughts and ideas becomes a breeze. It provides a clear structure that can be super helpful, especially for those who may struggle with putting their content together.
2. Reduced Social Anxiety:By interacting with ChatGPT, the pressure of social interactions simply fades away! This means autistic adults can focus on their creativity without stressing about miscommunication or social nuances.
3. Prompting and Guidance:ChatGPT offers prompts, suggestions, and guidance, helping to overcome writer’s block and ignite creativity.
4. Feedback and Revisions:Immediate feedback and assistance with revising content make refining and improving the quality of work a whole lot easier.
5. Comfortable Environment:Creating content in a cozy, controlled environment with ChatGPT reduces sensory overload and provides a wonderful sense of security.
6. Language Support:For those who may struggle with language, ChatGPT can lend a hand with grammar, vocabulary, and phrasing, enhancing the overall quality of the content.
7. Focus on Interests:ChatGPT can help generate content around specific interests or topics, allowing autistic adults to dive deep into their areas of passion and expertise.

“ChatGPT truly is an incredible and joyful tool for autistic adults, making the content creation process supportive and fantastic!” she said.

At Pelati Coaching Academy, we recognize the unique advantages that AI can offer to individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism. The consistency, non-judgmental nature, and availability of AI make it an appealing option for communication and support. As technology continues to evolve, it holds great potential for enhancing the lives of those on the autism spectrum, providing valuable tools for social interaction, emotional regulation, and daily management.

If you or someone you know might benefit from integrating AI into your support system, we encourage you to explore the possibilities and see how it can complement traditional coaching and therapeutic approaches.