The Role of AI in Autism Therapy: Hope or Hype? – News18
Last Updated:
Unlike medical conditions such as malaria or cancer, where diagnosis and treatment are standardized, autism remains highly subjective, making therapeutic interventions more nuanced and individualized
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various aspects of healthcare, from streamlining administrative workflows to improving diagnostics
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that manifests in early childhood, characterized by poor social interaction, difficulties in communication, and a range of unique behaviors that vary from child to child. Unlike medical conditions such as malaria or cancer, where diagnosis and treatment are standardized, autism remains highly subjective, making therapeutic interventions more nuanced and individualized.
Dr. Sumit Shinde, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Child Rehabilitation Centre (CRC), emphasizes this complexity, “Every child with autism is different in symptoms, and its subjective evaluation differs from child to child. Based on these evaluations, a child-specific developmental plan is designed, working on the child, parenting strategies, and environmental modifications.”
The Challenge of Diagnosing and Treating Autism
Unlike medical disorders with objective biomarkers, autism and other mental health conditions cannot be diagnosed or treated using a universal protocol. The effectiveness of interventions depends on qualitative factors such as the child’s environment, parental facilitation, and the therapeutic approach used.
“Autism children’s behaviors are not static; they evolve based on internal and external coping mechanisms,” explains Dr. Shinde. “This makes it difficult to predict outcomes with certainty.”
Where AI Comes In
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various aspects of healthcare, from streamlining administrative workflows to improving diagnostics. It has proven effective in personalizing treatments through AR/VR devices, wearable sensors, and mobile health applications, particularly for monitoring vitals in adult and geriatric populations. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants also facilitate patient communication, while machine learning algorithms analyze data to identify patterns and predict treatment outcomes.
However, when it comes to developmental disorders such as autism, AI’s role is far more limited. While it can enhance a clinician’s ability to collect and analyze data, AI struggles to influence treatment outcomes directly. A major challenge is that AI relies heavily on data sourced from online platforms, where up to 95% of the available information is either marketing-driven or based on manipulated studies aimed at selling products to parents of autistic children.
AI’s Potential in Autism Therapy
Jaspreet Bindra, co-founder, AI&Beyond and an expert in artificial intelligence, believes AI holds promise in making autism interventions more personalized and scalable.
“AI is transforming autism therapy by enabling more personalized, scalable, and effective interventions. From AI-driven speech recognition tools to virtual assistants that enhance communication skills, technology is helping individuals with autism engage and learn in ways that were previously challenging,” notes Bindra.
He further explains how AI is advancing behavioral analysis and adaptive therapies, “With advances in machine learning, we are now seeing AI models that can analyze behavioral patterns and adapt therapies in real time, making support more intuitive and accessible. The future of autism therapy lies in the convergence of AI, data, and human expertise, ensuring that individuals receive the right interventions at the right time.”
Balancing AI and Human Expertise
While AI can be a valuable tool in enhancing therapy delivery, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding and adaptability of human clinicians. The interplay between AI and human expertise is crucial to ensuring that interventions remain effective and tailored to the unique needs of each child.
Dr. Shinde reiterates that the key to successful autism therapy lies in an individualized approach: “AI can support, but the core of effective autism intervention remains in human-driven therapy, environmental modifications, and parental involvement.”
As AI continues to evolve, its role in autism therapy will likely expand. However, it remains a supplement rather than a substitute, working best when integrated with expert-driven strategies to create meaningful and effective therapeutic outcomes for children with autism.
