Artificial Intelligence (AI) and neuroinclusion

Let’s talk about something you might not expect: using technology to create more human workplaces, schools, and systems. Yep - I’m talking about AI. Stick with me.

At first glance, AI might feel like the enemy of empathy. Cold. Automated. Lacking all the glorious nuance of the human brain. But when used well, AI can be a game-changer for neuroinclusion.

This week’s newsletter includes:

• Info: 5 practical ways to use AI for neuroinclusion

• April focuses: Stress awareness month and autism awareness month

• Activities and ideas: Some ideas to get talking and challenge thinking with your colleagues

1. 5 practical ways to use AI for neuroinclusion

We’re already juggling so much - supporting kids in classrooms, teams at work, ourselves. What if tech could take some of that load off, help us communicate better, and even offer ideas we hadn’t thought of yet?

The reality is: we’re not using AI to replace understanding. We’re using it to support it. To give neurodivergent people more autonomy, to take pressure off memory or social decoding, and to help neurotypical people be better allies.

Here are 5 ways you can use AI for exactly this.

1. Generate reasonable adjustments ideas (without overthinking it)
   Don’t know where to start? Ask ChatGPT:
   "Give me reasonable adjustments for someone who struggles with time-management, working in a customer service role."
   You’ll get a brainstorm list in seconds. It’s not a replacement for listening to someone directly - but it’s a brilliant prompt when you’re stuck or don’t know what to offer. (Just remember: don’t input personal data!)

2. Use Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini for meeting summaries
   Neurodivergent folks (and, let’s face it, everyone else too) often miss things in meetings. These tools can summarise live meetings and assign actions so people aren’t left behind or penalised for processing differently.

3. Try Fireflies.ai or Otter for transcripts
   Great for those who process information better when it’s written down or like to revisit conversations to fully absorb them. Bonus: you can highlight key moments and share summaries for better team communication.

4. Use AI to pre-plan social or work scenarios
   Struggling with how to word an email or set a boundary? You can literally type: “Help me write a message to my boss asking for a change to my work hours because I struggle with early mornings due to ADHD.” It’s like a script assistant that’s available 24/7 and doesn’t judge.

5. Reduce stress by offloading tasks to AI
   Stress Awareness Month (April) is a good time to remember: we don’t have to hold everything in our heads. Let AI write your lesson plan outline. Draft your meeting agenda. Generate social stories for kids navigating transitions. That’s energy saved for things that really need your humanity.

2. It’s Stress Awareness Month and Autism Awareness Month

April is both Autism Awareness Month and Stress Awareness Month - a timely combo, since navigating a world that doesn’t get you is incredibly stressful.

Interestingly there’s always a big debate about whether it should be ‘Awareness’ or ‘Acceptance’ month for autism. Many people think we need to move beyond awareness, and move to acceptance. And others even think we need to get straight to Action and really change the world.

Here’s my perspective. Yes, we absolutely need all these things. But the truth is, we’re still at the awareness stage. Sure, more people have heard of autism. But how many still picture the same tired stereotype? How many workplaces or schools can confidently say they know what sensory overload really feels like?

We don’t need to choose between awareness, acceptance, or action. We need all three. And right now, awareness still needs a massive upgrade. So let’s stay loud. Let’s keep talking.

But try not to stress yourself out in the process!

If you or your colleagues need some support with stress, get in touch about our 7 types of rest workshop - it’s a total gamechanger!

3. Activities and ideas

If you want to reduce stress and/or raise awareness about autism this month, here are some ideas:

🌿 1. Book a “7 types of rest” workshop
Perfect for workplaces or teams running on empty. This isn’t your typical "get more sleep" chat - it's a powerful, interactive session exploring emotional, sensory, creative, and social rest, among others. Neurodivergent or not, we all need rest in different ways. Reply REST and we’ll send you details.

🧠 2. Run a “Bust the myth” board in your school or office
Set up a physical board or digital space where people can write common myths or misconceptions about autism and stress - and then add the truth next to them. A brilliant, low-lift way to raise awareness, especially about masking, co-occurring differences, or “invisible” stress.

🧩 3. Offer a neurodiversity listening hour
Instead of a formal awareness talk, offer a simple, quiet space (virtual or in-person) where neurodivergent colleagues or students can speak about their experiences if they choose - or simply be in a space where they’re listened to. Peer-led is powerful.

💌 4. Start a stress check-in ritual
Introduce a 2-minute stress check-in at the start of meetings or lessons - emoji cards, colour zones, or one-word shares. It normalises emotional honesty and helps build psychological safety.

Neuroinclusion isn’t about perfection. It’s about possibility. If AI can help us understand each other better - even just a little - that’s a future I want to be part of. Why not use it to generate some ideas for you this month!

Speak next week!
Jess 😊

PS Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:

• Join the waitlist for our next NeuroNavigator programme and become a certified Neurodiversity Champion. Doors open June 2025 for Sept start.

• Want me to speak in your organisation? Head here to book a chat and make a plan.

• Book a FREE Discovery call to chat through how I can support your workplace, your school or your family.