Autistic adults in Israel and worldwide often face challenges with late diagnosis, overburdened assessment services, and long waiting times. Technological solutions, particularly AI-based tools, may provide a scalable response to assist in early screening and assessment processes.
A new study, published in JMIR Form Res, 2026 Aug 27, examined the feasibility, acceptability, and user experience of an AI-powered conversational platform called ASIST (Autism Screening With Intelligent Supportive Technology). The platform was designed to support structured personal history documentation and referral preparation for adults interested in exploring the presence of autistic traits.
In this pilot study, conducted using a mixed-methods approach, 12 adults participated. Participants interacted with an AI-powered voice chatbot, which presented validated screening tools, including the Autism Spectrum Quotient (in its abbreviated 10-item version) and the 2-Minute Autism Detection Scale. Quantitative data on acceptability and usability were collected, alongside open-ended qualitative feedback.
The findings indicate that participants generally reported positive perceptions of the chatbot. Among other things, low effort of use, positive trust in the tool, and a sense of fairness were noted. Participant feedback, which also helped in the design and refinement of the study itself through the contribution of 11 additional participants in the development phase, highlighted the perceived value of ASIST as a tool to support history documentation and referral preparation. At the same time, areas for improvement and refinement were also identified, such as the chatbot's speech rate, clarity, and response format.
In conclusion, the researchers report that AI-powered conversational tools may offer scalable solutions for structured history documentation, referral preparation, and early screening. However, it is important to remember that this is a preliminary study. Before widespread implementation, further large-scale validation, actual integration into existing assessment and treatment pathways, and an equity-focused evaluation are required to ensure the tool serves everyone fairly and effectively.