Terence Ma Tin Shu

Play time helps both kids and adults in prevention and healing of depression, according to the book Stress in the City by Enoch Li. Photo: VCG

In today's rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept, it is a part of everyday life, transforming how we learn, teach, and even manage our mental health. 

AI has become deeply embedded in our daily lives, especially in the realm of education and mental health. Students — whether neurotypical or neurodiverse, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — now interact with AI in ways unimaginable to past generations. From generative AI tools like chatbots to AI-assisted educational platforms, the technology is influencing the way students access knowledge and navigate their personal challenges. 

Some schools have already begun integrating their curricula to incorporate AI, signaling a shift as profound as the dot-com boom or the introduction of smartphones. While this progress brings numerous benefits, it also presents challenges that educators, parents and mental health professionals must carefully address.

AI in learning: Importance of deep learning

One of the most noticeable benefits of AI is the accessibility of information. Gone are the days when students had to spend hours in a library searching for books or dig through search engines to gather knowledge. Today, they can type a query into an AI tool and receive detailed answers within seconds.

I worked with one student who relied heavily on AI to generate content for a geography project. While the final output looked impressive, the student struggled to explain the concepts during a class presentation. This raises a key question: How much of the knowledge gained through AI is actually absorbed and understood?

To address this, students should strike a balance. In addition to using AI, they should engage with traditional learning methods — reading books, taking notes, and allowing time for material to settle.  I often recommend active learning strategies, like hosting a "sharing session," explaining a concept to a family member or practicing presentations with peers. These methods foster deeper understanding foster deeper understanding.

The Role of human connectionAI tools are also increasingly being used in the realm of mental health, offering both potential benefits and significant risks. Many teenagers, for example, turn to AI chatbots during moments of stress or emotional turmoil. These tools provide an outlet for students to express their feelings, often late at night when access to human support is limited.

While chatbots can provide momentary relief, they come with limitations. Current AI does not yet possess the empathy, intuition and depth of understanding that humans bring to conversations. For example, a teenager feeling isolated might share their feelings with a chatbot, but the AI's responses may be generic or may not fully address deeper issues.

In my experience, students who overly depend on AI for emotional support often miss the benefits of human interaction. I've worked with teenagers who preferred talking to bots over communicating with their parents or mental health professionals. While AI can be a helpful supplement, it should never replace the human element, as genuine human connections can release oxytocin, the "bonding hormone" which plays a crucial role in reducing stress and fostering emotional well-being.

In practice, I urge students to reach out trusted adults or mental health professionals for guidance. These professionals offer personalized support and can help students manage their emotions in a safe and constructive way. Additionally, improving communication within families is crucial. Something as simple as a parent asking an open-ended question, "How was your day?" can already create a supportive environment for open dialogue.

Leveraging AI to support students with ASD

AI holds considerable promise for supporting students with ASD. Many individuals with ASD face challenges in areas such as communication, social interactions and sensory processing. AI tools, when thoughtfully implemented, can help bridge these gaps by providing tailored interventions and individualized support.

For example, AI-powered image generation tools can help students with ASD express their ideas visually. Some students with ASD may struggle to articulate their thoughts verbally but excel when given visual aids. With the guidance of a trained professional, a student can use an AI tool to generate images that represent their ideas, whether it's creating a picture of a concept for a science project or visually mapping out their feelings. This process not only aids communication but also fosters creativity and builds confidence.

AI can also play an important role in teaching social communication skills. For instance, I have worked with students using AI-assisted platforms to create personalized step-by-step guides for initiating and sustaining a conversation. 

This use of AI not only promotes independence but also provides a structured framework for students to practice and internalize social skills, which can often feel overwhelming. Adults can further support the student by using the AI-generated steps during role-playing exercises, where the student can practice real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.

When combined with human guidance, AI becomes a powerful tool for helping students with ASD to express themselves, develop essential life skills, and gain confidence in navigating both academic and social challenges.

Balancing AI with traditional methods

While AI is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it's important to use it responsibly. As with any technological advancement, there are risks associated with over-reliance. Students may neglect critical thinking or social interaction, while educators might become less creative in lesson planning.

The key is to see AI as a complement, not a replacement. Much like Jarvis in Iron Man, AI can act as a powerful assistant that enhances efficiency and provides valuable support, but it shouldn't replace the critical thinking, creativity, or emotional depth unique to humans. Students should be encouraged to use AI to enhance their learning while continuing to engage in traditional methods, such as reading, discussing, and practicing. For mental health, AI can serve as an additional layer of support, but human connection must remain at the forefront, as true growth and healing often stem from genuine human interactions.

For students with ASD, AI offers unique opportunities to enhance communication, social skills, and self-expression, empowering them to navigate academic and social environments with greater confidence. By combining AI tools with personalized guidance from educators, psychologists, and parents, we can be part of a supportive ecosystem that addresses the unique needs of neurodiverse learners while promoting their independence and growth.

However, we must remain mindful of AI's limitations. Deep learning, critical thinking, and human connection are irreplaceable, no matter how advanced AI becomes. AI should complement — not replace — the empathy and creativity that human relationships contribute to education and mental well-being.

When used wisely, AI is more than just a technological innovation — it's an opportunity to empower all students, educators, and parents alike, helping them navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world while advancing inclusion and promoting growth for all individuals.

** Terence Ma Tin Shu is an educational psychologist in accredited register, practicing in Hong Kong SAR and Chinese mainland. 

Global Times