Partnership to Explore AI-Supported Skill Building for Individuals with Autism
Minnetonka, MN – MAC Midwest and Ama AI have announced a collaborative pilot partnership to explore how assistive artificial intelligence can support individuals with autism in practicing and generalizing everyday life skills across home, school, and community settings.
The pilot brings together MAC Midwest’s transdisciplinary clinical expertise and Ama AI’s personalized assistive technology to better understand how technology might complement clinician-led care. A small group of participants will take part in the pilot, which is intentionally learning-focused and designed to inform responsible, ethical use of AI in neurodevelopmental care.
“This partnership grew out of shared conversations about continuity, dignity, and what it truly means to support independence beyond structured therapy time,” said Chris Bent, CEO of MAC Midwest. “We see this pilot as an opportunity to learn together, alongside families and clinicians, about how emerging tools might thoughtfully support real-world skill use.”
Ama AI is an Ames, Iowa–based company led by Karri Haen Whitmer and Chris Whitmer, parents of a child with autism who have seen firsthand the impact that consistent, meaningful behavior support can have over time. Drawing from backgrounds in neurobiology, accessibility, adaptive learning, and assistive technology, Ama AI was created to strengthen the connection between therapists, families, and educators through tools that reflect existing care strategies.
“For us, this work has always been about continuity and collaboration,” said Karri Haen Whitmer, co-founder of Ama AI. “Partnering with MAC Midwest allows us to explore this technology within a care model that values individualized planning, ethical implementation, and a truly transdisciplinary approach to care.”
Ama AI’s platform is designed to reflect strategies already being used in therapy by adapting prompts and supports to an individual’s existing goals. By reinforcing familiar approaches in everyday environments, the technology aims to support consistency while respecting the central role of clinicians and caregivers.
Both organizations emphasized that the pilot is exploratory in nature. Findings from the collaboration will help guide future decisions about whether and how AI-supported tools could be integrated into care pathways. Privacy, consent, and safeguards around data use are foundational to the partnership.
“This work is grounded in curiosity and responsibility,” added Chris. “We’re asking careful questions, listening closely, and focusing on what may genuinely support families as they navigate the nuances of living with autism.”
Additional insights and reflections from the pilot will be shared as the collaboration progresses.
About MAC Midwest
MAC Midwest provides compassionate, individualized care for children, adolescents, and families affected by autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. Through a transdisciplinary model of care, MAC Midwest offers diagnostic services, compassionate ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and family supports. The organization is committed to meeting individuals where they are and supporting meaningful progress across the lifespan.
About Ama AI
Ama AI is an Ames, Iowa–based assistive technology company focused on supporting individuals with autism and cognitive differences by extending therapeutic strategies into everyday life. Designed to complement professional care, Ama AI emphasizes personalization, ethical use of AI, and continuity of support across environments. Ama AI has received support from partners including the USDA, the State of Iowa, nMotion, and the New Schools Venture Fund.
