In the world of autism spectrum disorder, cutting-edge technological innovations are continuously brought to the forefront of research and interventions. Autism research and technology are ultimatley forming a symbiotic relationship that seems promising for improving social, cognitive, and semantic abilities. From immersive virtual reality to AI-driven storytelling, new tools are expanding possibilities for improving social, cognitive, and communicative abilities. 

Virtual Reality

One significant problem with traditional educational interventions for kids with autism is that they tend to be expensive and hard to access. However, in recent years, virtual reality systems have opened new doors for children with autism. VR is relatively inexpensive and is more widely accessible. VR has contributed to numerous motor and cognitive rehabilitations in many areas of neurodevelopment, allowing individuals to overcome and manage situations that may cause distress.

Virtual reality devices offer a multitude of experiences that enable children with autism to be a part of interactive siutations. VR can stimulate real-life social situations which can allow kids to practive navigating social scenarios in a controlled environment. This can include making eye contact, learning social cues, or taking interest in the conversation in general. These scenarios are situations that otherwise cause high levels of anxiety, helping inividuals who may have sensory sensitivity or are simply scared to interact with others. Failla et al. notes “By reducing social anxiety and facilitating teaching in realistic adaptable virtual worlds, this technology promotes a regulated and reproducible learning context.”

In other words, VR helps kids practice the hardest moments. They learn eye contact and social cues and how to manage sensory overload in a space that encourages exploration.

Digital AAC Devices

AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, is a type of assistive technology that refers to all of the ways an individual can communicate besides talking. People of all ages use AAC and some may use it for their whole life. In fact, recent studies have estimated that over 2 million people with significant language impairments use AAC. This includes not just individuals with intellectual disabilities. There are non-tech types of AAC like writing, gestures, facial expressions, or drawing. There are also high-tech options like using an iPad or tablet to communicate or using a speech-generating device. Of course some AAC tools work better for some than others but ultimately not every tool works for every person.  

However, AAC devices do come with some drawbacks. Possible tech issues, like malfunctions or battery problems, are always a concern and some systems can’t be generalized to support over 2 million users with different needs. 

I recently learned more about a platform called Ner Chat, a type of AAC technology that allows providers and teachers to enable better communication for AAC users. One of their programs, Glint, allows educators and therapists to create AI-generated AAC visual supports, reducing the amount of hours creating visuals from scratch and instantly adapting to different social situations on the go. Another program Leaf empowers users by providing them with the first ever in-app AAC device so that conversations don’t just end in the classroom but can be continued in any app.

The result? Communication becomes more seamless, empowering users to participate fully in social life.

Neural Sensor Headphones

Another exciting development is brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. I recently came across Neurable Inc’s MW75 Neuro Smart EEG Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones, which uses EEG sensors to monitor brain activity in real time. Though it is not specifically designed for neurodiverse individuals, I thought it would be interesting to still highlight the product as an innovation in neuroscience. 

The headphones are integrated with a brain-computer interface (BCI) technology which gives users insights into their brain health so that they can enhance daily performance and improve cognition. The ear pads of the headphones contain EEG sensors which capture and analyze brain waves to provide the user with detailed feedback data. EEG is a widely used technique used to study electrical activity in the brain. It can be used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders, but Neurable’s goal is to create an interfact for everyday users. The insights from the EEG can be accessed through an app where users can access tips to manage their productivity and brain health. Of course the headphones obviously can also play music if you are curious. It’s also important to note that the brainwave data is all encrypted so that data can be stored and protected.

AI Storytelling

AI-driven storytelling is becoming increasingly popular, empowering parents, educators, and others to support children with autism navigate social situations and other transitions. Many of the AI programs are designed for kids with autism but in my opinion, I think many kids can benefit from AI storytelling.

Social stories have been around long before the development of AI. Developed in 1991 by Carol Gray, these stories can demonstrate social cues and provide guidance by using vivid pictures and straightforward language. They’re easily adaptable to varied needs, proving to be beneficial in specific intervention strategies. 

With the help of AI, we can generate stories that are relevant and understandable to children who are experiencing specific emotions and situations. One such platform, Story Spark, is an AI story generator that creates personalized experiences to support neurodiverse learners. What’s even better is that the platform generates stories tailored to the child’s reading level and can be read aloud with visual support.

Another platform, Ella, allows kids to create profiles monitored by parents and Ella creates explainers for kids that tell them stories, teach them new skills, answer questions, etc. The children can also see themselves in the visuals so that they can engage longer with the learning approach. A study conducted by Kelly Edwards found that personalization is more effective in social narratives than generic forms, an idea that is reinforced by these platforms.

Assistive Technology Devices

Beyond the technologies already discussed, a growing range of assistive devices are out there to help students with disabilities – both within and beyond the autism community- access learning and communication in more dynamic ways. Assistive technologies is an incredibly broad term that encompasses all of the devices and services designed to support individuals with disabilities and promote their inclusion. As mentioned before, there are different types of assistive technology that vary in the amount of technology they actually use. Tools like the HeadMouse, which enables users to control a computer with head movements rather than their hands, demonstrate how thoughtful design can open up entirely new channels of interaction. 

Similarly, the use of socially assistive robotics (SARs) has proved promising for improving social skills for kids with autism. The field of robotics has yielded a multitude of benefits in medicine and personalized care. Specifically, SARs robots are designed to exhibit emotional cues in addition to simply offering other supportive services. Some children with autism have even said they feel safer with a robot. In fact, they are more likely to engage in activities if it’s with a robot. I think kids perceive them more as a fun toy rather than a non-human tool. 

A Future of Possibility

At its core, assistive technology is about giving every child the tools to connect with the world on their own terms. As these innovations evolve, the hope is simple: more inclusion and more opportunities to thrive.