Israeli Student Develops AI System to Simulate Autistic Experiences for Greater Empathy

Mai Lapek, a visual communication graduate from Shenkar College, created an interactive AI system called AURA that simulates how daily situations might feel from the perspective of someone on the autism spectrum. Inspired by her sister Meitar, who is diagnosed with autism, Mai developed the system to help others understand sensory overload, emotional regulation challenges, and the complexity of autistic experiences.

Users input an age and a common scenario, such as "getting dressed in the morning," and AURA generates a visual and auditory simulation that conveys sensory stimuli, bodily sensations, and racing thoughts typical for autistic individuals. Mai combined AI technology with extensive research, including academic studies and interviews with autistic people, to build an authentic model for these simulations.

Mai explained that the project aims to provide families, educators, therapists, and the general public with a tangible way to grasp concepts like sensory overload and emotional flooding that are often invisible from the outside. Beyond technology, AURA represents an effort to foster empathy and bridge understanding between neurotypical people and those who experience the world differently. Mai hopes the system will help users "look through someone else’s eyes" to better appreciate their perspective.

The project highlights an innovative use of AI not for efficiency but to promote social connection and awareness about autism, potentially impacting thousands of families and professionals involved in autism care and education.