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The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on creative industries is one of the most pressing and polarising discussions in the modern digital landscape. From writing and graphic design to music and film, AI’s expanding capabilities have inspired excitement and trepidation among creatives and consumers alike.
However, this debate often lacks a critical layer of nuance—particularly the failure to differentiate between types of AI, namely generative AI (which produces content) and editing or assistive AI (which polishes human-generated content). By lumping these distinct technologies into one monolithic “AI,” we risk oversimplifying their roles, purposes, and impacts on creative work. This confusion not only fuels misperceptions but also threatens the accessibility of these tools for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with cognitive differences like ADHD, ASD, and Dyslexia.
Accessibility, Inclusivity, and the Role of Assistive AI in the Workplace
For individuals managing ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, or other cognitive differences, editing AI tools are more than just conveniences—they’re lifelines.
These tools democratise writing, editing, and publishing access, making these professions more inclusive. Without them, many might struggle with certain technical aspects of writing, such as spelling consistency or complex grammar rules, which could hamper the overall quality of their work. These AI tools empower users to communicate effectively and control their narrative.
When all AI tools are treated the same, assistive AI's advantages for neurodivergent individuals are overshadowed by concerns surrounding generative AI’s potential to displace human creativity. The creative industries risk overlooking the assistive AI’s capacity to enhance accessibility, equating it with generative AI as a competitor rather than an ally.
The Rise of AI Detectors and Unintended Consequences
The proliferation of AI detectors presents another layer of complexity to this issue. These detectors, designed to identify AI-generated content, can rarely distinguish between editing assistance and fully AI-generated material. For neurodivergent individuals who rely on editing AI, this can lead to unnecessary scrutiny and unfair bias, especially in creative and academic fields where originality is paramount. A piece refined by assistive AI might be flagged similarly to a piece generated by a large language model, effectively penalising users who sought quality control, not content creation.
For individuals, students, journalists, and professionals who rely on AI to polish their work, this confusion around AI’s role can create anxiety and may discourage the use of essential tools. If AI detectors flag an article, essay, or script, its author might face unfounded questions about the authenticity of their work. This can be especially damaging for individuals who depend on these tools due to cognitive differences—placing them at an unfair disadvantage in academic, professional, and creative circles.
The Case for a Nuanced Discussion: Advocating for Accessibility Without Sacrificing Creativity
To foster a more inclusive understanding of AI’s role in the creative world, it’s imperative to distinguish between AI systems that assist and those that generate. Editing AI tools offers quality control and accessibility, addressing technical writing challenges that might otherwise be barriers for neurodivergent individuals. Generative AI, on the other hand, introduces new possibilities but also raises complex ethical and creative questions about originality and ownership.
Conflating these distinct types of AI restricts access for individuals who could greatly benefit from assistive technology, further reinforcing the stigma around cognitive differences. By embracing a nuanced understanding of AI, we can allow creative industries to thrive without compromising their commitment to diversity, accessibility, and human creativity.
Industry leaders, educators, and policymakers need to cultivate a balanced view, one that acknowledges the positive role that assistive AI plays in accessibility for neurodivergent individuals. Through this nuanced perspective, we can support the responsible use of AI and preserve the empowering role of assistive tools for those who rely on them.
As a neurodivergent person who has leveraged AI for years—long before AI was a household term— I feel we deserve to use these tools without undue suspicion.
Written by Katie Robinson
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