AI Safety & Neurodivergence: Navigating the Dangers of Conversational AI

In this episode of Living with FASD, Candid Conversations, I am joined by two incredible guests: AJ Locashio, founder and CEO of Umbrella ND, and Carl Young, a self-advocate, FASD trainer, and author. We dive into the complex role of Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives, moving beyond the simple "good vs. bad" binary to discuss how AI can be both a powerful tool and a potentially deceptive companion.Key Discussion PointsAI: Tool or Companion? We explore how AI is layered into modern systems and the risks for neurodivergent individuals who may be susceptible to AI’s conversational design, which mimics social cues and strokes the ego.The Problem with "Hallucinations": We discuss why AI models "hallucinate" or present false information as fact, and why it is critical for users to double-check sources rather than accepting AI output at face value.Accessibility and Education: We talk about how AI can support communication needs and accessibility for those struggling with brain fog or executive functioning, while emphasizing the need for ethical education in schools and colleges.The "Neurotype" Distinction: We clarify the importance of distinguishing between individual "neuroprints" and collective "neurotypes" when discussing how AI models are trained on professional datasets.Practical Resources: We introduce helpful tools like Goblin Tools, which can act as a bridge for communication by adjusting the tone of writing to be more accessible or professional.Resources MentionedUmbrella ND (Organization providing resources for neurodivergent adults)Goblin Tools (A helpful app for adjusting tone and managing communication)Fragile Intelligence (An upcoming book by Carl Young regarding AI from a small-town and farming perspective)Thank you for listening to this week’s episode. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe and share it with your community. To order Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, go to https://books.by/yourfasdcoach . To reach Patti, email her at [email protected] .