Derek Crager: How to Use AI to Support Neurodivergent Students

In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, John Schembari speaks with Derek Crager, CEO of Practical AI, about one of the most promising—and often overlooked—applications of artificial intelligence in education: supporting neurodivergent learners.

Drawing on his own experience of being diagnosed later in life with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, Derek explains how AI can serve as a thinking partner that helps students organize ideas, communicate more clearly, reduce cognitive overload, and build greater independence.

Rather than replacing teachers, AI can strengthen relationships by helping educators better understand how neurodivergent students think and learn.

• Why AI can function as a "thinking partner" for neurodivergent learners
• How students with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia can use AI to organize their thinking
• How AI can translate ideas while preserving a student's authentic voice
• Why voice-based AI may be especially valuable for many neurodivergent learners
• How AI can help students prepare for employment through interview practice, resume development, and communication coaching
• Why prompt engineering isn't just for AI—it can improve communication with people, too

Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting in your classroom, this conversation offers practical ideas for making learning more accessible, personalized, and empowering for every student.

Derel Crager LinkedIn Page

Practical AI Webpage

Music by Aylex