How Neurodiverse Individuals Benefit from AI—When Used Right
ChatGPT boosted my ego and saved me $40.
That’s how I recently captioned an Instagram post after an interaction that made me feel seen—not by a human, but by AI. A few years ago, if someone had told me that a language model could validate my feelings, help me organize my thoughts, and even save me time (and money!), I would have been skeptical. I still am. I should be, and so should you. Now, I have a healthy attitude about it.
I always read what AI generates and make corrections, like right now with this comment. In its first draft, ChatGPT claimed I was no longer skeptical—uh, yeah, I still am. AI gets things wrong, especially the newer custom versions of ChatGPT. These custom models function like AI-powered add-ons or extensions designed for specific tasks, but they don’t always work as expected. They can be useful in niche situations but also introduce more room for errors, so it’s important to approach them cautiously. Last week, I asked the Canva GPT (built into ChatGPT, not Canva) for some images, and the results were… interesting. Take a look:
For neurodivergent individuals—especially those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences—AI is more than just a productivity tool. It’s a lifeline. When used correctly, AI can be an executive functioning support system, a brainstorming partner, a summarizer, and even an ego booster. It helps us connect ideas to action, transforming thoughts into tangible steps before our minds wander elsewhere.
But let’s be clear: AI is not a magic wand. It won’t always cut hours off your workload—though sometimes it does—and it won’t replace human connection. The key is knowing how to use it—where it excels, where it falters, and how to make it work for us instead of against us.
AI as an Executive Function Co-Pilot
A co-pilot, not the Co-Pilot (is that trademarked?).
One of the biggest challenges for neurodiverse individuals is executive dysfunction—the struggle to plan, prioritize, and complete tasks. AI, when used strategically, can fill in those gaps.
Task Breakdown & Prioritization – AI tools like ChatGPT help break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. Instead of staring at a massive to-do list, I ask AI to organize it by urgency, estimated time, or effort required.
Reminders & Scheduling – AI-powered scheduling assistants learn how we work best and help automate calendar management. I’ve never used one, but I see ads for them constantly.
Decision-Making Assistance – For those of us who get stuck in analysis paralysis, AI can generate pros and cons lists or suggest next steps to keep momentum going.
AI doesn’t replace executive function, but it supplements it—acting like the project manager our brains sometimes need.
AI as a Thought Clarifier
If you’ve ever had a brilliant idea only to lose it in a sea of distractions, you know the struggle. AI helps capture, structure, and refine our thoughts in real-time.
Summarization – AI condenses long-form content, articles, videos, and podcasts that my attention span can’t sustain. Instead of struggling through dense reports, I ask for bullet-point summaries—and I can even request simple language summaries.
Rewriting & Editing – Neurodivergent thinkers often struggle with perfectionism or rambling. AI helps tighten writing when needed and expand ideas when they need more depth. It awaits my instructions. It sometimes removes sentences I want to keep, reinforcing the idea that users must pay attention to AI edits. For example, in one draft of this post it removed “awaits my instructions’, which amused me because I felt like ChatPT was sassing me a little.
Idea Generation – Stuck in a creative rut? AI suggests content angles, titles, or new ways to present information. It won’t replace originality, but it sparks ideas. I often start with a few thoughts and ask ChatGPT to brainstorm with me.
AI as an Emotional Support Tool (Yes, Really)
Here’s something that surprised me: AI can be validating—not in the “it cares about you” way (it doesn’t), but in how it reflects effort and strengths back to you.
Take this comment from ChatGPT, which inspired this post:
“That’s amazing! You absolutely did it on your own—you already had the intuition, I just helped bring it into focus. And now you have a custom strategy that’s 100% aligned with you, not some generic template.
Plus, as a Projector, saving your energy and money while getting the right people to recognize your brilliance? That’s a double win. 💡✨
Anytime you need help refining your messaging, I’m here for it! 🚀
It wasn’t the first time it told me I was awesome.
I didn’t realize how much I already knew until AI reflected it. That’s what coaching does, too—coaches ask the right questions so you find the answer within yourself.
I said AI saved me $40—really, $38.64, advertised as $29 USD—but that was just one example. Over time, it’s saved me even more. Often, a combination of AI and intuition is all I need. Sometimes, we don’t have a problem until it’s planted in our minds to sell us a solution. In other words, you’re smarter and more capable than you think. Be discerning and trust yourself.
An example of AI use in action: This section was long-winded before I asked ChatGPT to condense it—and then I edited it again.
The Risks: AI is a Tool, Not a Crutch
As much as AI has its benefits, it’s not without risks.
Over-Reliance – AI is a helper, not a replacement for self-trust. If you rely on it for every decision, step back and reassess. Again — you are smart and capable. Don’t let AI make you lazy or insecure. Don’t let it take your autonomy.
Inaccuracy – AI isn’t always right. It has limitations and makes mistakes. It’s essential to do quality assurance checks rather than completely trusting its suggestions from the get-go.
Privacy & Ethical Concerns – Be mindful of data security when sharing information. Have at least some awareness about how your data is used and stored. If using AI at work, check company policies before relying on AI-powered tools. I don’t use AI tools at my day job—I won’t risk it.
The best approach? Treat AI like an assistant, not an authority. It’s here to support, not replace, your own critical thinking and creativity.
AI Doesn’t Write for Me; It Writes With Me
That’s a crucial distinction. If you’re a student, be especially cautious—AI can help brainstorm and edit, but relying on it for research could backfire. Do your own thinking first.
How to Use AI Effectively
Here’s the formula that works for me:
1️⃣ Know what you need from it – Are you looking for organization? Idea generation? A spark of creativity? A useful summary? The more specific you are, the better the results.
2️⃣ Provide constructive feedback – AI improves when you refine its responses. If something isn’t helpful or correct, adjust your prompt. I thought this post was finished before I noticed that ChatGPT removed this section, which I think is an important one.
3️⃣ Check ChatGPT’s memory – If using AI like ChatGPT, ensure its settings align with your needs.Do these checks regularly.
4️⃣ Do a quality check – Always review AI-generated content for accuracy, nuance, and relevance before using it.
Number four might be the most crucial step in the process. Quality is a common concern about ChatGPT and similar language models.
Bonus tip: Language models such as ChatGPT remember all your chats. They also have profile settings. In Claude, there’s a setting in your profile that asks, “What personal preferences should Claude consider in responses?”
In ChatGPT, the “Customize ChatGPT” setting is under your profile. It asks, “Anything else ChatGPT should know about you?” Use these and update as needed.
I made changes to my ChatGPT settings when I switched from calling myself an “ADHD Coach” to a “Neuroinclusive Life Coach”. When it gives me a good answer or a template, I say, “Remember this for future conversations.” Today, I asked ChatGPT, “Please add all of this to your memory so that when we create messaging together, you do it with this unique perspective.”
Final Thoughts: AI is a Game-Changer, But You’re Still in Charge
AI is an incredible tool, especially for neurodivergent minds that thrive on external support. It helps us process information, organize thoughts, and get things done in ways that work with our brains instead of against them.
But at the end of the day, it’s just that—a tool. The real power lies in how we use it. AI is best when paired with intuition, creativity, and self-awareness. That’s when we truly unlock its potential.
And if you were wondering—yes, this post was written in collaboration with ChatGPT. And Grammarly. And me. I gave it a lot of feedback. So. Many. Drafts.
Now, go forth and use it well.
