AI neurodiversity accommodation sparks cognitive reliance debate

The "AI makes you lazy" argument is the modern version of "calculators make you bad at math," ignoring that for neurodivergent individuals, AI bridges a functional gap rather than bypassing effort. Generative AI acts as an external executive function for those with ADHD, lowering the "wall of awful" associated with starting tasks. The backlash reflects a deep-seated "bootstrapping" mentality in neurodiversity circles that prioritizes raw effort over effective outcomes. We are seeing the birth of a new category of assistive tech that is often misunderstood because it is accessible to everyone, not just those with a diagnosis.