We have spent decades trying to "curcure" or "train" neurodivergent people to fit into a neurotypical world. We’ve treated Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia as "bugs" in the human code.
I’m here to argue that the bugs aren't in the people—they’re in the environment.
I am starting a journey to build an advanced software ecosystem that doesn't just "assist" but truly understands the full spectrum. Whether it’s a student struggling to decode a textbook or an adult drowning in the "hidden taxes" of executive dysfunction, we need technology that acts as a cognitive bridge.
🧩 The "Spiky Profile" vs. The Flat World
Most of the world assumes a "flat" intelligence profile. If you are 25, you should be able to do X, Y, and Z. But neurodivergence is a Spiky Profile. You might have 99th percentile abilities in pattern recognition but 5th percentile abilities in "initiation" or "sensory regulation."
My goal is to build software that fills the "valleys" of that spike so the "peaks" can shine.
🌑 The Universal Problems I’m Solving For:
- The "Administrative Tax" (Executive Function)
For many, the problem isn't the task; it's the activation.
The Problem: A student knows they need to study, but the "weight" of choosing where to start causes a total freeze.
The Vision: An AI that senses "Inertia" and breaks a 4-hour study session into "Micro-Dopamine" wins—tasks that take 60 seconds just to get the gears turning.
- The Sensory "Noise" of Modern Education/Work
The Problem: Standard apps are loud, bright, and full of "micro-distractions" (red dots, badges, animations). For a child with sensory processing sensitivities, this is physically painful.
The Vision: A "Sensory-Adaptive" UI that flattens and simplifies based on the user's current stress levels.
- The Contextual Translation Gap
The Problem: Social and academic instructions are often "implied." Neurodivergent people often need Explicit Logic.
The Vision: A tool that "translates" vague world-noise into clear, logic-based structures. No more "read between the lines."
- Time Blindness & The "Now/Not Now" Binary
The Problem: Many ND brains don't perceive time as a linear flow. There is "Now" and there is "Everything else." This leads to massive anxiety and missed deadlines.
The Vision: A spatial representation of time—moving away from clocks and calendars toward visual "energy buckets."
🔥 Why I’m Excited (and why I'm scared)
The potential here is massive. We are talking about unlocking a huge percentage of human potential that is currently being "benched" because they can't navigate a world built for "standard" brains.
But I have concerns:
Oversimplification: How do we help an ADHD kid without making the software feel "childish" for an Autistic adult?
The "Spectrum" is vast: What helps a dyslexic reader might be frustrating for someone who relies on text-heavy logic.
I’m not talking about a to-do list app. I’m talking about a Cognitive Layer that sits between the user and the world.
Some ideas I’m exploring:
Body Doubling Interfaces: Virtual presence tools that help with task initiation.
Instruction Decoders: AI that takes a vague, emotional email and strips it down to "Objective Steps" and "Required Tone."
Sensory-First Design: UIs that change color, density, and sound based on the user's real-time stress levels or heart rate.
Energy-Based Scheduling: Instead of a calendar based on "hours," a system based on your "Spoon Count" (available mental energy).
📣 Calling All Devs, Thinkers, and Humans
I’m opening the floor. I want the deep stuff. The stuff you’re usually too embarrassed to talk about in a professional setting.
I want to hear everything:
The Struggle: What are the most common "life-bugs" you face in school, work, or at home? What does society get wrong about your brain?
The Concerns: What scares you about "AI for Neurodivergence"? How do we protect our data and our dignity?
The Dream: If you could have a "digital brain-extension" that solved just one part of your daily struggle, what would it do?
The Suggestions: What features have you tried to build for yourself? What "hacks" do you use to survive a world that isn't built for you?
Let’s stop trying to "fit in." Let's build a world that fits us.
Top comments (1)
I'm deeply touched by this concept. It feels like you're putting genuine effort into understanding the needs and perspectives of individuals who've often been overlooked or misunderstood. I can only imagine the sense of isolation and frustration that must come from trying to navigate a world that doesn't always accommodate our differences – a cognitive bridge could be incredibly empowering for many people.
While this is a refreshingly bold idea, I also think about its practical implications, and there may be gaps to fill. But for now, your idea has sparked something in me, and I'm interested in exploring it further. If anything comes to mind, I'll be sure to share it with you.