When AI Helps Organize Our Thoughts: Neurodiversity and Academic Workflows in Higher Education

Generative AI tools are rapidly changing how faculty and academic professionals organize ideas, synthesize information, and interpret communication. This session explores how AI can function as cognitive scaffolding that reduces cognitive load and supports neurodiverse approaches to academic work. Drawing on experience implementing AI literacy initiatives at a research university, the session will examine practical ways AI tools can help structure ideas, manage complex information, and clarify professional communication. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for integrating AI tools into knowledge work in ways that support diverse cognitive styles.