Supporting Autism with Generative AI: The Case of ChatGPT Use

Generative artificial intelligences (AIs), such as ChatGPT, have been demonstrating significant impacts across various fields, including software development, education, marketing, healthcare, and social communication. However, little research has been conducted to investigate how such technologies can be effectively leveraged for social good. Bearing this in mind, the purpose of this research is to explore the use of ChatGPT in supporting individuals with autism, both directly and indirectly. More specifically, we aim to examine the user experiences of ChatGPT among autistic individuals and their stakeholders, including family members, caregivers, educators, and healthcare providers. To gather preliminary insights, we first reviewed the extant literature on user experience with emerging technologies and the use of AIs in autism support. In addition, we analyzed online discussions related to ChatGPT and autism by collecting textual data from several Reddit subreddits (e.g., r/Autism and r/ChatGPT) using relevant keywords. We then applied a series of modern text mining techniques to identify user sentiments, frequently used phrases, and key topics across different stakeholder groups. These analyses enabled us to uncover the strengths, limitations, effective uses, and concerns associated with ChatGPT in the context of autism. We believe that this line of research can significantly enhance our understanding of how generative AIs can be utilized for social good, particularly in supporting the autism community. Moreover, it offers valuable practical implications for guiding the effective design and deployment of these technologies to meet the unique needs of autistic individuals.