As AI reshapes the way we communicate, researchers at Texas A&M University are developing an artificial intelligence-powered platform that could transform care for children with autism and older adults living with dementia. The technology learns each person’s unique communication style, behaviors, and preferences, enabling increasingly personalized support for caregivers, therapists, and families over time.
Called VoiceLove, it is one of three projects being developed with support from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).
At the core of the system is an AI engine that analyzes both speech and nonverbal behaviors documented through short videos recorded by caregivers or therapists during daily communications and interactions. Rather than comparing participants against a general model, the platform focuses on understanding each person’s individual patterns and communication style.
“Every child with autism is unique, and effective support should reflect that,” he said. “Our project leverages artificial intelligence to understand each child’s individual behaviors, communication styles, and preferences. The goal is to deliver personalized recommendations that help families, educators, and clinicians work together more effectively, enabling more responsive, data-driven care and improving the health and well-being of children with autism,” says Dr. Junhyoung Kim, associate professor in the School of Public Health, one of the principal investigators on the project, in a statement.
The AI system was created to identify behavioral patterns in communication, interests, and responses across different situations. Based on its observations, the program provides personalized recommendations that could help therapists or caregivers create individualized intervention plans.
“The key innovation behind this platform is its ability to understand each child individually and learn their unique preferences, needs, communication styles, and strengths to deliver personalized recommendations,” Kim said. “For people living with dementia, the platform is designed to enhance person-centered care by helping residents communicate their needs, preferences, and daily experiences more effectively.”
Researchers say the technology could support a wide range of developmental goals, including improving communication skills, encouraging self-care, strengthening social engagement, and enhancing a person’s quality of life.
The same personalized approach could also benefit people living with dementia, where communication challenges often make it difficult for individuals to express their needs and wants.
“Our vision is to create an AI platform that continuously learns from each child’s daily experiences,” Kim said. “As the system identifies patterns in behaviors, preferences, and responses to different activities, it can provide therapists and caregivers with personalized recommendations that evolve over time.”
“This adaptive approach helps explain why certain behaviors occur and supports more individualized, proactive care,” Kim added.
VoiceLove is designed to keep learning. As caregivers continue using the app, the AI analyzes new interactions while also incorporating caregiver observations, experiences, and responses to daily prompts.
The research team plans to begin with a small pilot study involving children with autism and older adults living with dementia after receiving Institutional Review Board approval.
Participants will use the platform for approximately one month while researchers evaluate its usability, feasibility, and overall user experience, and from there, insights derived from the pilot will help to inform a larger-scale study at some point in the future.
Chrissy Newton is a PR professional and the founder of VOCAB Communications. She currently appears on The Discovery Channel and Max and hosts the Rebelliously Curious podcast, which can be found on YouTube and on all audio podcast streaming platforms. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton, Instagram: @BeingChrissyNewton, and chrissynewton.com. To contact Chrissy with a story, please email chrissy @ thedebrief.org.