"It's the most empathetic voice in my life": How AI is helping neurodivergent people navigate social challenges

For Cape Town-based filmmaker Kate D’hotman, connecting with movie audiences comes naturally. Far more challenging is engaging in everyday conversations. “I’ve never understood how people [decipher] social cues,” the 40-year-old director of horror films says. As a neurodivergent individual, navigating social interactions has often been a struggle, but AI is now offering her new tools to bridge that gap. “It’s the most empathetic voice in my life,” she adds, referring to the AI systems that help her interpret social signals and improve communication. AI is increasingly being used to support neurodivergent individuals, helping them better understand social dynamics, manage emotions, and interact more confidently in daily life. These tools, designed to interpret and respond to human behavior, are providing a sense of connection and empowerment that many have previously lacked. For D’hotman, who is autistic, AI-powered apps and platforms have become essential in helping her process conversations and recognize subtle social cues. These technologies offer real-time feedback, breaking down complex interactions into digestible insights. “It’s like having a guide in a world I don’t always understand,” she explains. Beyond personal communication, AI is also being integrated into educational and therapeutic settings. Programs tailored for neurodivergent users use machine learning to adapt to individual needs, offering personalized support for social skills training, emotional regulation, and even job readiness. These systems are designed to be nonjudgmental, patient, and consistent—qualities that can be rare in human interactions. Experts say that AI’s ability to process and analyze patterns in behavior makes it particularly well-suited for supporting neurodivergent communities. Unlike human interactions, which can be unpredictable, AI provides a structured and reliable way to practice and improve social skills. “It’s not a replacement for human connection, but it’s a powerful supplement,” says Dr. Sarah Lin, a researcher specializing in AI and neurodiversity. However, the use of AI in this space is not without challenges. Some worry about over-reliance on technology or the potential for misinterpretation. Others question whether AI tools can truly capture the nuances of human emotion and social context. Despite these concerns, many neurodivergent individuals and their advocates see AI as a valuable ally in their journey toward greater understanding and inclusion. As AI continues to evolve, its role in supporting neurodivergent people is likely to grow. For individuals like D’hotman, the technology is more than just a tool—it’s a voice that helps them feel seen, heard, and understood in a world that often feels overwhelming.