Over three years, the AIRA project has brought together research, lived experience and advocacy to examine how artificial intelligence is shaping autistic people’s lives.
Funded by the European Artificial Intelligence & Society Fund, AIRA explored the intersection of AI and autism through research, dialogue and policy engagement across Europe. The project’s conclusion is clear: artificial intelligence must be developed with autistic people, not on autistic people.
What AIRA Did
AIRA combined multiple strands of work:
– A literature review mapping over 1,000 scientific articles on AI and autism
– A European survey with 294 autistic participants across 15 countries
– A policy brief outlining recommendations for EU-level AI regulation and meaningful inclusion
– The easy language booklet AI & Me, making AI-related topics more accessible
The findings were nuanced.
Autistic people are not simply for or against AI. Most participants supported AI assisting clinicians and supporting everyday life, but clearly rejected replacing human support with fully automated systems. A strong majority emphasised regulation, data protection and meaningful autistic involvement in AI development.
Across research, advocacy and lived experience, one principle remained consistent: participation is essential.
Reflections from the AIRA Team
Imke Heuer
Working on the AIRA project has been enriching and rewarding for me. It was wonderful to collaborate and share ideas within our European, interdisciplinary team. In particular, I am fascinated by our survey results. Our participants’ positions were thoughtful and nuanced. Almost nobody was completely in favour of or against the use of AI in the context of autism.
Rather, people argued for community involvement, participatory research and regulation. They emphasised that AI devices should not replace but assist and complement human support, and they saw great potential for personalised tools.
Revisiting our results two years later, I find they have become even more relevant. This shows how timely and important our project has proven to be.
Alena Adameika
The AIRA project has an important mission: to spread knowledge about the use of AI and its influence on autistic people’s lives, as well as to strengthen advocacy and self-advocacy regarding AI. It aims to defend autistic people’s rights and educate them about its uses, risks and benefits.
I was delighted to be part of a multicultural and interdisciplinary team of highly experienced professionals. For me, as an autistic individual, it was especially meaningful that the team included autistic people and people committed to supporting autistic people’s rights.
Paula Pönkänen
As AIRA comes to an end, I feel proud and deeply grateful. I have had the privilege of serving as part-time Project Manager for the past one and a half years, and during this time I have learned immensely about artificial intelligence, human rights, and ethics. What stands out most is how rapidly the conversation has evolved. In just three years, interest in AI and the rights of autistic people has grown significantly.
Dozens of people across Europe have contributed their time, expertise, and passion. To every team member, collaborator, consultant, advocate, researcher, and supporter, thank you. Your commitment has shaped AIRA into what it is.
I also want to express a heartfelt thank you to the European AI & Society Fund. Without their trust and support, this work would not have been possible. Their funding enabled autistic-led advocacy on AI at a crucial moment in Europe.
AIRA may be concluding as a project, but the work will continue at EUCAP. Heta Pukki and her team will keep the topic alive even after AIRA has ended.
