In the future, we’ll see a rise in robotic toys that serve counselors and playmates to children with various learning disabilities like Autism. Studies have shown that AI toys are extremely effective in getting withdrawn ASD kids in engaging in personal, playful interactions. Special Education departments will soon have whole classrooms of intelligent toys to play with.
AI is well positioned to disrupt the field of autism treatment, especially because AI beings have “non-human” qualities that are actually beneficial in the context of treating autism: limitless patience, an infinite wealth of information to answer questions, and the inability to show unkind judgment or become annoyed. There is huge potential for future development of AI toys that teach autistic children to develop self-awareness and help them better understand their own conditions.
By Constance Smith