44: AI, human connection and the future of neuroaffirming support with Shae Rodgers

What if AI could give clinicians more capacity for human connection, rather than replacing it?

In this episode of Neurodivergent Pulse, Laetitia is joined by neurodivergent speech pathologist and AI educator Shae Rodgers for a conversation about the intersection of artificial intelligence, communication and neuroaffirming care.

Shae has been a speech pathologist for almost 20 years, with a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent children, teens and young adults. When AI became more accessible, her neurodivergent brain immediately became curious about its possibilities, particularly how it could reduce the enormous administrative load clinicians carry and create more time and capacity for meaningful clinical work.

They explore what responsible AI use can look like in allied health, why AI literacy matters, and the questions families have every right to ask when AI is being used as part of their or their child’s care.

Shae also shares the exciting possibilities emerging at the intersection of AI and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), including how technology can support more personalised and efficient communication while still protecting autonomy, consent and each person’s authentic voice.

And underneath it all is something neither of us believes technology can replace: human connection.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 How AI can reduce some of the behind-the-scenes administrative load carried by speech pathologists and allied health professionals.

🧠 Using AI to create highly personalised, interest-led and accessible resources for neurodivergent clients.

🧠 Why AI isn't about replacing clinicians, but potentially creating more capacity for the parts of care that require human connection.

🧠 The importance of AI literacy, privacy, compliance and ethical decision-making.

🧠 What clinicians should consider before bringing an AI tool into their practice.

🧠 Why families have the right to ask how their information is being used and protected.

🧠 The importance of clinicians having a voice in how new AI tools are developed.

🧠 How high-tech tools can sometimes enable beautifully simple, low-tech and deeply personalised communication supports.

🧠 Why technology works best when it quietly supports the human connection happening around it.

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ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Shae Rodgers is a neurodivergent speech pathologist, AI educator and founder of Speech Pathology Resources. Her clinical work focuses on AAC, communication technology and strengths-based, neuroaffirming support for children, teens and young adults.

Shae also helps speech pathologists build practical and ethical AI literacy through courses, mentoring, resources and her weekly AI newsletter. In 2026, she launched speech-pathology.ai, Australia’s first curated AI tool library for speechies. Shae is also a clinical advisor to Understanding Zoe.

💻 Instagram: @aispeechpathologyresources

🌿 Speech Pathology Resources: speechpathologyresources.com.au

🤖 Speech Pathology AI Tool Library: speech-pathology.ai

ABOUT THE HOST 👇

Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.

She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.

Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.

Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.