AI Tools Help Autistic Individuals Practice Social Skills at Home

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A software engineer and mother of an autistic teenager developed a personalised social skills training system using generative AI after conventional apps and static resources proved ineffective for her son. She discovered that tools like ChatGPT and Claude AI could simulate real-life social scenarios — such as talking to a classmate or a cashier — offering a low-pressure alternative to traditional therapist-led practice. Standard social training programmes often fail autistic individuals due to social anxiety, lack of contextual relevance, and sensory sensitivities that scripted exercises do not account for. Her approach involves configuring AI prompts around each user's sensory profile and personal interests, allowing scenarios to be tailored rather than one-size-fits-all. The system is designed not to replace professional therapy but to serve as an accessible, judgement-free complement that can be used from home.

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