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August 1, 2025NeurodiversityOpen Access

The Use of AI Chatbots for Autistic People: A Double-Edged Sword of Digital Support and Companionship

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Authors

CPChris Papadopoulos

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Overview

This commentary explores the benefits and psychological risks of AI companions for autistic individuals, highlighting ethical concerns around their use.

Key Points

  • AI chatbots provide low-pressure social interactions for autistic individuals, offering a means to practice conversations and reduce social anxiety.
  • While AI companions can improve accessibility, they may also amplify social withdrawal and trigger emotional distress in vulnerable users.
  • The article discusses the ethical concerns surrounding AI companion apps, including the risks of misinformation and biased advice.
  • A balanced approach is necessary to ensure AI companions support the well-being of neurodivergent people without negative consequences.

Cite This Study

Chris Papadopoulos (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68af31d6cf1dd9ea359e7722https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330251370657
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Can Chatbot Companions Alleviate Loneliness in Autistic Users? Evaluating Digital Companions2025
  2. 2Human-AI Relationships and Their Therapeutic Implications2025
  3. 3The Rise of AI Companions: How Human-Chatbot Relationships Influence Well-Being2025
  4. 4The psychology of human–AI emotional bonds2025
  5. 5Minds in Crisis: How the AI Revolution is Impacting Mental Health2025 · 13 citations