Experiments in AI: Improving Conversational Language for Students with Social Language Challenges

Exploring AI’s role in improving conversational skills for children and the need for effective interventions

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Working with children with social skills challenges requires a different set of skills than a typical classroom teacher or speech-language therapist would have. It’s not to say that the general therapist or teacher can’t do these things, it just requires a change in perspective.

This may be a trite example, but imagine you are living in a different country. You bring along the cultural expectations, beliefs, and social interactional skills that you have used for years in your home country.

Whether it’s facial expressions, tone of voice, or the actual content of what you say there’s a good chance that you will need to adjust your style of communication. It will feel awkward. It will feel strained and different. This is what happens when you are neurotypical. There’s a pretty solid chance that you are going to be able to adapt and change. Of course, it will take time, but you’ll be able to do it.

Now you have a better idea of what some adults expect of kids with social skills challenges. Some have autism, some have ADHD. Some…