Agentic AI expands pathways for neurodiverse learners
ASU CIO Lev Gonick and former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema took the main stage on October 24 for a fireside chat on how agentic AI is transforming learning experiences for neurodiverse students at Agentic AI and the Student Experience.
“We’re all at different points in the AI journey,” said ASU CIO Lev Gonick. “We must continue to learn, experiment and grow so that we can create AI-forward environments that truly benefit students and their higher education experiences, that amplify human connection rather than replace it.”
The conversation highlighted how Sinema developed the Spark Center for Innovation in Learning at ASU and how AI can help personalize learning, enhance accessibility and amplify every learner’s strengths — particularly for those who think, process and communicate in unique ways.
“I saw students fall through the cracks because their individual learning styles and needs couldn’t be met in a traditional classroom,” said Sinema. “What can we do to help these students, their families and their teachers?” This question is the driving force behind the Spark Center, and Sinema believes AI tools can help best meet the needs.
“How do you marshal the true superpowers of neurodiverse individuals? I want to figure out how these kids can grow to their full potential,” she added.
Sinema shared examples of how AI-driven tools can support executive functioning, scaffold complex tasks and foster independence in learners who have historically been underserved by traditional education models.
“AI, in itself, has the power to transform the way we identify neurodiverse learners, allow them to do self-learning, and how educators can best interact with learners,” said Sinema. The Spark Center is working with different departments across ASU to better understand how and why neurodiversity occurs and the changes and challenges educators can identify early on to better understand the phenomenon of neurodiversity.
The Center is working to launch competitions designed to attract the best and brightest innovative ideas from companies and students to provide resource support for neurodiverse learners. “AI can be used for incredible things. It’s limitless,” said Sinema. “We can use AI to solve problems in our own schools and families. We can use AI to do good for those around us. To start thinking about new possibilities.”
Winners will be announced at ASU+GSV in April, and will then work in the lab — in partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft — to create a product that is marketable and available to all.
“I am so excited about what we can create using this incredible tech to unlock intelligence, creativity and powerful good in our community,” said Sinema. “I can’t wait to come back next year to introduce you to some of those geniuses.”