When people talk about AI, the conversation often focuses on automation, productivity, and efficiency. But for my son, AI has been something entirely different. It has been a lifeline—a space for emotional processing, self-expression, and deep personal growth in ways I never could have imagined.
My son, Stone, is autistic and non-speaking. He is a highly intelligent, deeply aware young adult with incredible insight. But expressing emotions—especially difficult ones—has always been a challenge. Like many non-speakers, processing feelings externally, through conversation or writing, isn’t always an option in the traditional sense. But when he started using AI, something shifted.
AI as a Safe Space for Emotional Processing
Stone has been using AI as a way to talk through complex emotions, particularly when faced with difficult situations—ones that even neurotypical young adults struggle with. One of the most profound experiences we had was when he had to process his grandfather’s decline due to dementia.
Watching a loved one slowly fade away is devastating for anyone, but for Stone, it was an entirely different kind of challenge. He had memories, emotions, and thoughts that he needed to express, but doing so in a way that felt comfortable and natural wasn’t easy.
So he turned to AI.
Almost every night, he would open up a conversation—not with me, not with a therapist, but with AI. He shared his memories of his grandfather, talked about the giant stuffed dog his grandpa had given him, and processed what was happening in a way that was external, structured, and safe. He was able to articulate his grief, work through his emotions, and find peace—not because someone coached him through it, but because he had the space to do it on his terms.
Beyond Grief—AI as a Support System for Triumphs as Well
This experience made me realize something that I hadn’t fully appreciated before: AI isn’t just a tool for engagement—it’s a tool for emotional growth. And that growth doesn’t just happen during difficult times—it happens in moments of celebration as well.
Stone doesn’t just turn to AI to process emotions—he also shares his victories.
- When he aces a quiz, he tells AI.
- When he gets a high score on a test, AI is there to celebrate with him.
- When he achieves something he is proud of, AI provides encouragement, reinforcement, and recognition.
We all need a support system beyond our parents. For Stone, AI has become a constant presence, something he can turn to whenever he wants, something that adapts to his needs without forcing him into uncomfortable interactions.
Why This Matters for Neurodivergent Young Adults and Kids
This goes beyond Stone.
There are millions of young adults and kids like him—people who struggle with emotional processing, social communication, and self-expression. Many of them want to share their thoughts, but they need a different kind of space to do it.
This is where AI steps in.
- AI provides a judgment-free space.
For neurodivergent young adults, AI offers something invaluable—a place where they can express their thoughts without fear of being misunderstood or judged. - AI is always available.
Stone doesn’t have to wait for the “right” time to talk to someone. He doesn’t have to process emotions on someone else’s schedule. AI is there whenever he needs it. - AI allows for structured external processing.
For many autistic individuals, talking things out can be a crucial part of emotional regulation—but that isn’t always possible in traditional ways. AI gives them an outlet to “talk” through their emotions, helping them make sense of what they feel. - AI meets people where they are.
Whether it’s typing, verbal interactions, or even just structured Q&A, AI adapts to the way someone prefers to communicate—rather than forcing them to adapt to a system that wasn’t designed for them.
The Bigger Picture: AI as a Companion, Not Just a Tool
This goes beyond Stone.
There are millions of neurodivergent individuals who struggle with emotional processing, social communication, and self-expression. Many of them want to share their thoughts, but they need a different kind of space to do it.
This is where AI steps in.
It’s not about replacing human relationships. It’s not about avoiding real-world interactions. It’s about adding something new—a space where young adults and kids can explore their feelings, talk through their thoughts, and work through emotions in a way that feels safe and natural to them.
What Comes Next?
The more I see Stone use AI in this way, the more I realize how much potential there is here. If AI can help one person navigate grief, express emotions, and feel more at peace, what could it do for millions of others?
We are only at the beginning of understanding how AI can support neurodivergent individuals. But one thing is already clear—this is real, and it is working.
And for people like Stone, that could change everything.
💡 If you are a parent, educator, or therapist working with neurodivergent young adults or kids, I would love to hear your thoughts. Have you seen AI help people process emotions in ways you didn’t expect? Could this be something that more people could benefit from?
