AIRA - Artificial Intelligence and the Rights of Autistic People

In recent years have seen an exponentially growing body of studies applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosis, biomedical research and in the development of therapeutic interventions in the field of autism. Simultaneously, 'smart' devices such as chatbots are becoming increasinly popular with autistic persons. Yet, so far there has been little research into the impact of AI on autistic people and the autistic community. Applying a rights-based, ethical perspective, the AIRA project (conducted by the European Council of Autistic People (EUCAP) in collaboration with the Belgian university KU Leuven) means to fill this gap. Its team of autistic researchers come from different European countries and diverse academic backgrounds. A mixed-methods study, AIRA comprises a literature review, a qualitative and quantitative survey, a training for advocacy organisations, and associated material. Combining research with activism, it intends to build up capacities for autistic self-advocacy.

This session is part of our focus topic on "freedom" as part of the Science Year 2024.