How to Prompt AI for Your Needs

Given the ever-growing presence of AI in almost every aspect of life, efficient and safe prompting of AI will be a crucial skill for all individuals. That being said, there are some risks specific to the autistic community.

One such risk is the possibility of receiving triggering content in a response from an AI chatbot. Here, we will explore how a parent or child can prompt AI in a way that minimizes the chances of receiving a triggering response.

Minimizing content risks with effective prompting

1. Preview Responses: While not explicitly prompting-based, the first step that a parent should take in order to ensure their child is protected is to use the chatbot themselves, before their child. For example, a child has just used AI to create a social script. The parent or guardian can then prompt an AI with the script to see what kind of responses are given, and if any changes to the prompt must be made.

2. State Boundaries at the Start: Set emotional or content limits. "Please give positive/calm responses, and avoid describing distressing emotions, violence, or negative scenarios".

3. Clearly Define Goals: An AI will perform best if it knows exactly what is needed from it. "Help me write a script for how to greet and introduce myself to a classmate in a friendly and confident way".

4. Avoid open-ended emotional questions: Questions like, "Why do people get upset with me?" can elicit complex responses that may include distressing explanations, another reason to chaperone your child's interactions with an AI.

5. Ask for responses in a supportive tone or coaching style: "Respond like a communication coach, or use language suitable for a teen who is trying to practice social skills".

6. Reframe Negative Scenarios: If you want your child to prepare for social misunderstandings or disagreements, ask the AI to frame them as learning opportunities rather than conflicts or problems.

Final example prompt: "I want to practice introducing myself to my classmates. Please act as a friendly communication coach. Use short sentences, maintain a calm and supportive tone, and please avoid mentioning negative emotions or conflict."

Employing these prompting strategies allows parents and children to have control over the tone, emotional intensity, and focus of a response, creating a tailored and safe learning environment. Now, the goal here is not to protect your child from all difficult conversations, as at some point, they will encounter some difficult scenarios. Instead, we want to be able to pace the exposure to distressing topics and keep learning sessions constructive and emotionally safe.