Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjuncts to Support Autistic Adults Between Counseling Sessions

Authors

Carlos J. Castaneda Jr, St. Edward's UniversityFollow
Nicole Noble, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center LubbockFollow
Afroze N. Shaikh, The University of Texas at AustinFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0441-3826

Author Biography

Carlos Castañeda, PhD, LPC, NCC is a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology at St. Edward’s University and a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in neurodivergent-affirming care. With over 10 years of experience serving the autism community, Dr. Castañeda’s work focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), artificial intelligence (AI) applications in mental health, and counselor education. He is the founder of The Missing Peace Clinic, a private practice dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals through assessment and therapy. Dr. Castañeda’s research explores innovative therapeutic tools, including AI Therapeutic Adjuncts (AITAs), and their potential to enhance mental health interventions. He also supervises graduate counseling students, contributing to the development of future mental health professionals.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjunct (AITA), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Technology-Assisted Counseling, Counselor Preparation, Counselor Education and Supervision, Single Subject Design, Thematic Analysis, Therapeutic Technologies

Subject Area

Clinical Supervision, Counseling, Counselor Education, Higher Education Counseling, Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mental health care presents innovative opportunities for therapeutic interventions. This pilot study examined the use of a customized Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjunct (AITA) as a supplementary counseling tool for adults with level one autism spectrum disorder who attended weekly counseling sessions. Using a Single Subject Design to review trends in mental health symptoms and perceptions of the AITA, participants engaged with the AITA over four weeks, completed weekly anxiety and depression assessments, and post-intervention and satisfaction surveys. Thematic Analysis identified common counseling concerns and the AITA’s use of counseling techniques. Although findings suggest AITAs may offer emotional support and potentially reduce distress, further research with larger samples is needed to assess its broader impact.

Public Significance Statement

This study introduces Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjuncts (AITAs), innovative tools designed to support autistic adults between counseling sessions. AITAs offer immediate, personalized emotional support based on established counseling approaches like person-centered theory (PCT). Our findings suggest that AITAs may enhance mental health care by providing continuous support, helping individuals manage anxiety and depression outside of traditional therapy sessions. This research highlights the potential of AI to complement, not replace, the critical work of counselors while improving access to mental health support.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/yytozbdi

Recommended Citation

Castaneda, C. J., Noble, N., & Shaikh, A. N. (2025). Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjuncts to Support Autistic Adults Between Counseling Sessions. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(3). http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/yytozbdi