The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into early intervention is increasingly explored to address challenges in accessibility, intensity, and individualization of care for autistic children. Within early intervention, approaches that support engagement, adaptive learning, and family involvement align closely with speech-language pathology (SLP) practice, applied behavior analysis (ABA)-informed strategies, and early developmental frameworks.

This presentation introduces an AI-supported, gamified intervention platform designed to facilitate early speech, language, and communicative behaviors through adaptive, play-based activities. Grounded in principles from speech-language pathology and early developmental science, the platform provides structured opportunities for repetition, engagement, and data-informed adjustment of communication targets while maintaining clinician oversight.

To illustrate the behavioral and developmental relevance of this approach, a single-case application is presented involving a minimally verbal autistic toddler who participated in a 24-week home-based program supported by AI-guided activities and weekly clinician consultation. Outcomes were examined using standardized language assessment, platform-derived communication indicators (e.g., engagement, imitation, functional communication), and caregiver observations.

Results indicated meaningful gains in receptive and expressive language, alongside improvements in engagement, participation, and early communicative behaviors commonly targeted in autism early intervention. These findings are consistent with emerging literature suggesting that AI-supported tools can enhance intervention intensity and generalization when embedded within structured, clinician-guided models.

This work highlights the potential role of AI as a complementary support in early autism intervention, emphasizing ethical use, neurodiversity-affirming practice, and the importance of integrating technology within established clinical and developmental frameworks.

With over 17 years of experience across hospitals, schools, and clinical settings, Atoosa Zangeneh is a DHA-licensed Speech and Language Pathologist dedicated to empowering children through collaborative, family-centered care. Currently serving as a Senior Therapist, she specializes in digital therapy and the application of AI in HealthTech, with a focus on inclusive solutions for neurodiverse individuals. In addition to her clinical expertise, she is actively involved in research on AI-guided therapy outcomes, early intervention models and neurodiversity affirming approaches. She also provides training for therapists and parents, bridging clinical practice, technology, and family engagement.