AI-Powered Occupational Therapy Suggestions Related to Neurodevelopmental Disorders

In the world, at least 1 out of 10 children has a disability. The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), such as autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorders, intellectual challenges, learning disabilities, and so on, is anywhere between 7% and 17% (Zablotsky, 2019; cited by Peyre, 2023). 140’000 Swiss children could be struggling with daily life activities right now.

Children with an NDD often maintain their symptoms into adulthood. However, help and care are not offered once they reach 18. This lack of care has a significant impact on their health and well-being. Moreover, the socio-economic impact of NDD is important, even if we are in some of the most prosperous times. Adults with disabilities are less employed and at financial disadvantage compared to neurotypical people. This is unsustainable. A key factor to improve all of this is early detection and treatment, which improve social functioning, education achievement, economic prospects, and reduce the cost on society.

The idea is to develop an app with an AI powered chatbot to offer Occupational therapy suggestions to parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). There is a long waiting list for therapists, so we aim to offer a momentary solution by way of written/video educating on how to perform a certain activity. We will use cognitive science, reeducation, or rehabilitation science to create the perfect “pre-therapy,” focused on daily life activities and education.

We are committed to the UN sustainable developmental goals and would love insights from experienced scientists to help bring our project to life. We can already attest of interest by other OT’s in Romandie and the probable investment of researchers from the department of OT in HETSL  through preliminary research, under the condition that we receive the aimed Innosuisse funding. Indeed, to offer the best care, one motivated founder and her team composed of one IT student and one philosophy student are not enough. We need many people, including YOU, as partners, mentors, coaches, and scientists who can bring the best out of this program.

At this stage of the idea, we are mainly looking for industry and practice partners – supporting implementation, for testing or willing to become one of our first customers! 🙂