We’re all familiar with some of the mainstream applications of AI like writing emails, reviewing for tests, or creating lesson plans. Have you ever stopped to consider how AI can also enhance accessibility and equity for learners?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the human brain and cognition, encompassing differences in how people think, learn, and interact with the world. While the term broadly reflects the diversity of humankind, it’s often used in educational contexts to refer to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, or other developmental conditions. Embracing neurodiversity and providing support tools in educational settings helps promote a more inclusive and supportive learning environment (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2021). While this should be a moral imperative for us so that we can bring Christian education to as many people as possible, it is also the law. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (amended in 2008) requires all institutions who receive federal funding to accommodate diverse learners. This applies to apparent disabilities such as a missing limb or hidden disabilities such as vision loss or various learning disabilities (US Department of Education, 2025). Usually, these accommodations are relegated to a small group of students, many accommodations help create a pro-user environment which helps all students (REACH, Inc., 2025). By exploring the many ways AI can support neurodiverse learners, you’ll be better prepared to integrate these tools into your teaching, whether through classroom-wide strategies or individualized support for specific students.
Here are a few ways AI can support neurodiverse learners:
- Simplifying Complex Texts: AI can summarize dense or difficult reading materials into language that better fits a student’s reading level or processing preferences, promoting better understanding and engagement (Government Technology, 2024). These summaries can serve as a helpful guide or outline before reading, by supporting comprehension without replacing the original text.
- Timely Feedback: AI can provide instant, personalized feedback during assignments or study sessions, which is especially useful during non-office hours when faculty may not be available (Kaplan, 2025).
- Text-to-Speech Tools: Many AI applications offer text-to-speech functions that can help auditory learners or students with reading challenges engage with written content (Government Technology, 2024).
- Time Management Assistance: AI tools can help students plan and organize multi-step projects or deadlines by breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps (Government Technology, 2024).
- Stress and Emotional Support: Some AI tools can detect signs of stress or frustration and suggest calming techniques to help students regulate their emotions and stay focused (Kaplan, 2025).
With the introduction of more accessible and customizable AI technologies, educators now have an unprecedented opportunity to better support neurodiverse learners. But what could this look like in practice?
Here are two practical examples from Government Technology (2024):
- Goblin Tools: This AI-powered suite offers single-task tools designed to help neurodivergent individuals overcome task paralysis. For instance, students can use the “Formalizer” tool to convert unstructured or emotionally charged thoughts into more polished, socially appropriate statements. For example, “I hate apples” is revised into “I prefer not to eat apples.”
- Educator Prompt Library: This resource offers ready-made prompts for educators to paste into their AI tool of choice, making it easier to create accessible materials, plan differentiated instruction, or generate supportive resources tailored to student needs.
Like any emerging technology, AI is continuously evolving, bringing with it new possibilities for enhancing teaching and learning. As educators, we have an opportunity to leverage these advancements to help close support gaps we observe in our classrooms. The examples shared in this article represent just a few of the many ways AI can be used to support neurodiverse students and, truly, to benefit all learners. If you’re curious about how to integrate AI into your course or need help identifying a tool to address a specific challenge, the Student Success Instructional Technologists are always available to help. They offer personalized professional development and would be happy to support you in finding the right solutions to best support your students.
References
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, November 23). What is neurodiversity? Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645
Kaplan. (2025, Jan 30). Five ways AI can help neurodivergent learners. Kaplan UK. https://kaplan.co.uk/blog/learning/five-ways-ai-can-help-neurodivergent-learners#:~:text=AI%20offers%20more%20than%20just,suggest%20calming%20techniques%20when%20needed
Mays, M. (2024, March 5). How can AI support neurodiverse students? GovTech. https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/how-can-ai-support-neurodiverse-students
REACH, Inc. (2025). The Importance of Accessibility for People with Disabilities. REACH. https://www.reachcils.org/announcements/the-importance-of-accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities/#:~:text=Ensuring%20accessibility%20for%20people%20with,fostering%20a%20more%20inclusive%20society.
U.S. Department of Education. (2025, January 27). Section 504. U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504