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Autism Treatment and AI

The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is expanding rapidly. From the development of ABA therapy telehealth delivery platforms, to the development of apps aimed to help caregivers manage challenging behaviors through use of behavioral skills training (BST), the landscape is changing quickly. And while these advancements have a real chance to positively impact outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum and their loved ones, the potential for too high of a reliance on the technology also exists, potentially leading to negative outcomes for clients and stakeholders alike. 


In a recent Forbes article, the challenges within the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) industry are summarized well. The article states, “Our best-trained clinicians are in short supply with 50% of U.S. counties not having even one Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)—the industry gold standard for behavioral therapy. For kids and their families, this means challenges in access and affordability. Many families are on a waitlist for a year or more before their first appointment, and the rising cost of care has forced many insurers and Medicaid to revisit how much they’ll pay for treatment—effectively capping therapy for some families.”

This problem is well-known, that is, ABA requires highly specialized clinicians developing and delivering hours-intensive and costly therapy sessions, often in the client’s home. And so, the development of telehealth delivery platforms that utilize AI tools in order to streamline and reduce administrative burden is a welcome one. However, it will need to be balanced with effective supervision, competent implementation of interventions, and ongoing collaboration between clinicians and stakeholders. In other words, while AI tools can help streamline the delivery of ABA therapy, the therapy itself is fundamentally a human process that will best serve clients when delivered in-person by well-trained and competent technicians who have strong working relationships with the BCBA overseeing the case. 


Additionally, an article published by UT-San Antonio details an application aimed at helping caregivers work on developing their child’s skills via use of behavioral skills training (BST), an evidence based intervention utilized in ABA. The article states, “The app leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real-time support, using a unique approach called behavioral skills training. It offers verbal and written instructions, modeling, role play and performance feedback. Users can select specific communication goals, such as teaching two-word requests, and the app listens and provides targeted guidance. Several families noted that the app strengthened their involvement and created meaningful learning moments together.”


The advantages and potential negative effects of such an app are immediately clear.  The advantage is that caregivers will now have 24/7 access to specialized and evidence-based support designed to support their child's skills. This can reduce cost, instill caregiver confidence, and ultimately result in positive outcomes for the client. On the other hand, when inappropriately delivered, BST may spike existing challenging behaviors or contribute to the emergence of new maladaptive behaviors. If these new maladaptive behaviors need to be reinforced to ensure client safety, then any benefit gained from the utilization of the AI tool may be outweighed by these new undesired behaviors. In this way, a balance needs to be struck where caregivers can be empowered by cutting edge learning tools while also maintaining access to the human clinicians who can effectively problem solve for emergent and novel challenging behaviors.


References:



Nicholas Lea, Behavior Specialist, Miren Behavior

 
 
 

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