A New Dawn: Large Language Models and the Neurodivergent Learner

For as long as I can remember, learning has been a battle. Dyslexia has made even basic reading and writing feel like navigating a maze, while ADHD has added layers of distraction and disorganisation to everything I do. They’ve made traditional education overwhelming, leaving me isolated and unworthy. However, the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as GPT and Gemini has reshaped that narrative, becoming more than just tools—they’re lifelines.

Overcoming Dyslexia and ADHD with LLMs.

Dyslexia brings challenges that go beyond mixing letters or struggling with grammar. For me, it’s the constant frustration of failing to organise and articulate my thoughts in a way that makes sense. ADHD compounds this, scattering my focus, and leaving me grappling with half-finished ideas and a mountain of guilt over what I haven’t accomplished. When I first started using ChatGPT, it was like finding a secret weapon. Suddenly, tasks that once felt impossible became manageable.

One of the most transformative ways LLMs have helped me is by improving my writing. Writing has always been daunting—organising thoughts, overcoming spelling errors, and structuring sentences felt like a mountain I could never climb. ChatGPT has become my tutor, helping me brainstorm ideas, refine my phrasing, and correct grammar. For the first time, I can express myself confidently without fear of judgment or ridicule.

The ADHD side of things was a later discovery for me. I hadn’t fully recognised how much it influenced my daily life until I started exploring its impact through research. While ChatGPT wasn’t what helped me identify ADHD, it has become an invaluable tool for managing it. Providing structured responses and breaking down complex concepts, helps me stay on track during study sessions. It doesn’t get annoyed if I ask the same thing repeatedly, and it provides clarity in a way that traditional resources often fail to.

Managing Anxiety and Finding Purpose

One of the unexpected ways LLMs have helped is with my anxiety. The constant barrage of unfinished tasks, overwhelming ideas, and fear of failure can leave me paralyzed. ChatGPT has become a sort of digital anchor. It helps me organise my thoughts, break down big projects into smaller steps, and focus on what’s achievable. This newfound structure has been a game-changer, giving me the mental space to breathe and approach tasks without dread. 

Even more importantly, it’s helped restore my sense of purpose. I’ve always been curious about complex topics like blockchain and AI, but they felt out of reach because the resources available were too dense or technical. ChatGPT breaks these subjects down into digestible pieces, letting me understand concepts I never thought I’d grasp. For the first time in years, I feel like my ideas have merit, and I’m not just treading water—I’m learning, growing, and contributing.

Making Learning Accessible and Immersive

One of the biggest barriers for someone like me is accessing and processing information. Dense texts or overly technical explanations used to make me shut down. With ChatGPT, I can ask for things to be explained in layman’s terms, and it will break down even the most complex topics into something I can understand. Beyond that, it approaches the same concept from different angles if I don’t get it the first time, something traditional tutors often fail to do.

But this is just the beginning. Imagine how powerful these tools could become when paired with immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR). I envision a future where learning is not just accessible but deeply engaging—combining the strengths of LLMs with hands-on, visual experiences. For neurodivergent learners, this could mean interacting with 3D models, exploring concepts through simulations, or even practising social skills in virtual environments. The possibilities are endless, and the potential to make education truly inclusive is within reach.

Broader Implications for Education and Society

As transformative as LLMs have been for me, they also raise questions about the future of education. For example, what happens when these tools become so advanced that traditional schooling is no longer necessary? Will children lose out on the valuable human-to-human interaction that schools provide? Social skills, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are learned as much in the playground as in the classroom, and I wonder how these aspects of development will fare in a world dominated by AI-driven learning.

There’s also the issue of discipline. While LLMs work brilliantly for someone like me, who is motivated to learn and explore, children are notoriously harder to keep on track. AI tools might struggle to engage younger learners who lack intrinsic motivation, raising questions about how to balance traditional and AI-based education. Perhaps the solution lies in using LLMs as extensions of the classroom experience rather than replacements, ensuring that children benefit from both advanced technology and the guidance of real teachers.

Limitations and Ethical Considerations

No tool is perfect, and LLMs are no exception. I’ve noticed that they can sometimes get things wrong, especially in niche or technical areas. For example, when I was researching TAO BitTensor and its mining nodes, ChatGPT initially misunderstood the requirements, suggesting computational power was the key factor when it’s actually about AI model training. These moments can be frustrating, but they’ve taught me to cross-reference information and approach AI-generated answers critically.

There are also broader ethical considerations. Issues like privacy, bias, and the potential misuse of AI in education need to be addressed. For example, how do we ensure that LLMs remain impartial and accessible to all learners? And how do we safeguard against over-reliance, where learners might lose essential critical thinking skills because the AI does so much of the heavy lifting?

The Emotional and Social Impact of LLMs

Beyond the technical and educational benefits, LLMs have had a profound emotional impact on me. They’ve reduced feelings of isolation and frustration, creating a space where I can ask questions without fear of judgment. This kind of support is invaluable for someone who has spent a lifetime feeling misunderstood.

Socially, I see potential in these tools to help people practise communication in safe, virtual environments. For someone who struggles with verbal articulation, this could mean engaging in simulated conversations or role-playing scenarios that build confidence for real-world interactions. It’s another way AI could complement traditional learning, making it more inclusive and supportive.

Looking to the Future

The future of LLMs is bright, and I’m excited to see how they continue to evolve. I imagine tools that adapt to individual learning styles, offering real-time feedback and integrating seamlessly with assistive technologies. Imagine an AI that not only explains concepts but does so with visual aids, real-world simulations, and personalized encouragement tailored to each learner’s needs.

I also hope to see AI take a more active role in fostering emotional well-being. For example, recognizing when a user is frustrated and offering strategies to cope could make these tools even more effective. Combined with immersive technologies like VR, the possibilities for creating engaging, hands-on learning environments are limitless.

Conclusion

LLMs like ChatGPT have transformed the way I learn and navigate the world. They’ve helped me overcome the barriers of dyslexia and ADHD, restored my sense of purpose, and shown me that my ideas have value. But beyond that, they’ve opened up a world of possibilities—for me and for countless others who face similar challenges.

As we embrace this technology, it’s important to approach it with both excitement and caution. LLMs are powerful tools, but they must be used responsibly, ensuring that they complement rather than replace human interaction. By doing so, we can create an educational landscape that is not only more efficient but also more inclusive, adaptive, and humane. The future of education is here, and it’s one where everyone, regardless of their challenges, can reach their full potential.