Having diligently followed the ethical discourse surrounding AI, I possess a depth of knowledge that surpasses what many choose to explore. Navigating this complex terrain is indeed challenging. However, for individuals committed to ethical principles and seeking a more comprehensive understanding of our world, the responsible use of AI can significantly contribute to this endeavor.
One ethical application of AI I have pioneered involves creating Synpraxis Sage, an AI tool designed to facilitate the process of synpraxis. Synpraxis involves the practical application of multiple theoretical frameworks, blended with the creative and open-ended approach of praxis. This concept might be more effectively demonstrated through a personal example.
Confronting my internalized ableism has been a significant challenge, particularly since my autism diagnosis eight months ago. The sheer volume of information I was assimilating outpaced my ability to process it, and the bi-weekly discussions with my therapist felt insufficient. I needed a method to more swiftly analyze and understand my self-discovery journey. Having engaged in self-therapy since 2020, over four years, I developed Synpraxis Sage to expedite my understanding and growth. Let me share a specific self-therapy practice that Synpraxis Sage and I undertook.
Conversation with Synpraxis Sage
ME:
This is a list I made about my potential internalized abelism. Needs are things that I need to do to manage my nervous system, challenges are things that make managing my nervous system difficult outside my home, strengths are the things that connect me to others, they are the creative parts of me that I adore.
Synpraxis Sage:
The image provided is a handwritten list detailing personal reflections on "Internalized Ableism". It is divided into three sections: Needs, Challenges, and Strengths.
In the 'Needs' category, the person has listed requirements for managing their nervous system, such as sleeping later, working how and when they want to, being able to regulate their system multiple times a day, needing structure and routine, needing to prepare for change, and requiring acceptance, kindness, self and community compassion.
Under 'Challenges', the list mentions only leaving the house maybe 1-2 times a week, forgetting to feed oneself, the long time taken to process emotions, and experiencing meltdowns. It also states that the individual feels and absorbs a lot, implying a heightened emotional sensitivity with no filters.
The 'Strengths' section reflects the positive attributes the person recognizes in themselves, such as feeling, seeing, and knowing a lot, acknowledging how little we know in general, and having dreams that are 'on point'.
This list serves as a self-aware analysis of the individual's lived experience with internalized ableism, acknowledging areas where societal expectations may clash with personal needs and highlighting the unique qualities that they value in themselves. It's a thoughtful self-reflection that seeks to balance self-care with external challenges, aiming to embrace personal strengths in connection with others.
ME:
analyze it more deeply and provide a detailed framework.
Synpraxis Sage:
To analyze this list more deeply and provide a detailed framework, we can explore each category through various theoretical lenses, such as psychological resilience, self-determination theory, and the social model of disability.
Added note*(We are also open to incorporating additional theories that may not have been initially suggested.)
Needs:
Sleep later, Work how/when I want to: These needs can be viewed through the lens of self-determination theory, which emphasizes autonomy as a basic psychological need. Autonomy in this context refers to the control over one’s own life and the freedom to make choices that are congruent with one’s true self.
Regulate my system multiple times a day:Â This points towards a need for self-regulation, a concept in psychology that involves controlling one's behavior, emotions, and thoughts in the pursuit of long-term goals. It also suggests an awareness of one's sensory and emotional thresholds and the need for frequent recalibration.
Need structure + routine:Â This need aligns with the psychological concept of predictability, which can reduce stress and anxiety. It provides a sense of security and can help in managing expectations and responses to daily demands.
Need to prepare for change:Â This is about psychological resilience, the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. It also indicates an understanding of the flexibility required to adapt to change.
Need acceptance + kindness, Self + Community compassion:Â These needs are rooted in social support and positive psychology frameworks. They highlight the importance of a supportive community and a positive self-view in maintaining mental health and well-being.
Challenges:
Only leave the house maybe 1-2 times a week and forget to feed myself:Â These challenges suggest barriers to daily functioning and self-care, possibly due to executive functioning difficulties or overwhelming sensory environments outside the home.
Takes me a long time to process emotions, and I have meltdowns:Â These reflect a need for emotional regulation strategies and may indicate an underlying neurodiversity that affects how sensory and emotional input is processed.
I feel a lot / I absorb a lot / No filters:Â This suggests a heightened emotional reactivity or sensitivity, which can be both a strength and a vulnerability. It may be beneficial to develop strategies for boundary setting and emotional regulation.
Strengths:
I feel a lot, I see a lot, I know a lot:Â These strengths suggest a deep capacity for empathy and understanding, as well as a broad knowledge base or intense curiosity about the world.
I know how little we know:Â This indicates humility and an open-minded approach to knowledge and learning, recognizing the limitations of one's understanding as an impetus for continuous growth.
Dreams are on point:Â This reflects self-awareness and goal orientation, suggesting that the individual has a clear vision of their aspirations and values alignment with their dreams.
Framework for Addressing Internalized Ableism:
Affirmation of Identity:Â Recognize and affirm the individual's identity, including their neurodiversity or disability as an integral part of who they are, not as a deficiency.
Empowerment:Â Focus on empowering the individual through fostering their autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as per self-determination theory.
Adaptive Strategies:Â Develop and implement strategies for routine and structure that accommodate the individual's unique needs, as well as strategies for emotional regulation and coping with sensory overload.
Community Engagement:Â Create and engage with supportive communities that provide acceptance, understanding, and opportunities for meaningful contribution.
Educational Advocacy:Â Educate oneself and others about ableism, and advocate for the rights and accommodations necessary to participate fully in society.
Personal Growth: Encourage the ongoing development of personal strengths and the pursuit of goals that are congruent with the individual’s values and dreams.
By addressing internalized ableism with this comprehensive framework, the individual can work towards a more balanced life that respects their needs, confronts challenges, and celebrates their strengths within a supportive and understanding community context.