In this digital age, where artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly acts as our daily companion, ensuring that the myriad of voices and experiences shaping our tech is inclusive isn’t just important—it’s critical. As a card-carrying member of the neurodiverse squad, my dive into the AI and machine learning pool was spurred by a nagging puzzle: Does AI really get folks on the autism spectrum, or is it more like that awkward guest at a party who just can’t read the room?

Kicking Off the Quest

This adventure kicked off with a deep dive into the world of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, courtesy of the brainiacs over at OpenAI. These AI giants, juiced up on a cocktail of human knowledge and chatter, boast of their prowess in mimicking human banter. But here’s the million-dollar question: Do they really capture the full kaleidoscope of human experiences, especially from the neurodivergent corner?

Peeling Back the Layers of Neurodiversity in AI

The act of “masking” is a familiar script for many neurodivergent folks—tweaking our behaviors to blend into a neurotypical world. This charade begs the question: If the data feeding AI is cloaked in neurotypicality, what unique insights are we missing out on?

Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to poke ChatGPT with questions about its diet of data and how it represents the neurodivergent narrative. The chat threw up a glaring hole—the AI munches on a diverse data platter, but neurodivergent-spun yarns aren’t explicitly on the menu. This was a lightbulb moment, underlining the need for AI brains that not only acknowledge but also spotlight neurodivergent viewpoints.

On the Hunt for Neurodivergent-Savvy AI

Fueled by curiosity, I set off on a quest to uncover AI initiatives or models marinated in neurodivergent creativity. My sleuthing led me to various AI corners, but the spotlight moment was stumbling upon Enabled Intelligence (EI)—a beacon of hope leveraging neurodiverse brilliance in AI data annotation.

EI’s strategy of harnessing the unique skills of neurodiverse folks, including those blessed with autism, for tasks that demand ninja-like pattern recognition and meticulous attention to detail, hints at progress. Yet, the burning question lingered: Is there an AI out there feasting solely on content whipped up by autistic minds?

Stepping Up the Game

Not one to sit back, I reached out to Enabled Intelligence, eager to learn about their endeavors in cooking up AI models that resonate with autistic perspectives or are seasoned with content crafted by autistic creators. This move wasn’t just about seeking answers; it was about rolling up my sleeves and diving into the heart of the AI and neurodiversity dialogue.

The Road Ahead

The journey is anything but over. Each chat, question, and article is a piece of the puzzle, inching us closer to AI that mirrors the rich tapestry of human diversity. As I play the waiting game for replies and keep the exploration alive, my mission is crystal clear: to champion and shape AI that not only recognizes but celebrates the distinctive views of the neurodivergent community.

Embarking on this quest for AI inclusivity underscores a broader call to action for tech that embraces every facet of humanity, cherishing the insights and experiences of neurodivergent individuals.

It’s Friday and still have not read my performance evaluation that I received a week ago. Last week I was “bitching” about my job  so we are all up to date with my situation. This part of work life seems like fat biking in deep snow after a blizzard. The terrain is undulating and sweeps from crusty hard snow banks to knee deep powder. All pushing a heavy bike.

So why am I bitching about fat biking? I do it all the time. To clairify I am not griping, at least I don’t think I am. Even though it is tough it is also enduring in a moderately extreme environment. It’s pretty tough at times. But in the end you make it to the destination. Along the way you learn, adapt, and grow. Otherwise you wouldn’t of made it to the end. You are forced to hit the obstacles head on and push through.

My performance review said “Meets Standards”. Hard to believe even after working in the extreme. Like being hired for one thing and then told to do something totally uncomfortable and new. I must of adapted. Or I have learned “the system”? I don’t know. Just trying to spin it positive. Problem is that I don’t feel I meet standards. I feel like a total failure. Others have adapted and now are productive. I still just sit there and say, “Duh???”.

So where does this leave me? It is like I set out in a blizzard anticipating a fun and challenging time. Then the sun comes out and I end up doing a road ride or something easy. I a TOTALLY uncomfortable with it being to easy.

The climbing was brutal. Not because it was really hard but I feel out of shape. At times I couldn’t clear things I know later I will. But all in all this ride was turning out fantastic. It didn’t disappoint from beginning to end. On the East side of the canyon the trail started out in an arid desert like environment and climbed to forests and cliffs. All outstanding single track.

Then it swooped down the side of a mountain and instead of crossing the road it went under. So cool. I thought to myself that this place must stay dry because I was riding in the bottom of a gully. But there was no signs of erosion. This place has long been known as dry and a good wintering ground for mountain biking.

Up the West side of the canyon I climbed all the way to the visitor center. The switch backs were hard to negotiate and many times I walked. I mean to have a trail on the side of a cliff its going to get sketchy. The forest was thicker on this side and I stopped often to read the interpretive sign-age. Today was all about skills. No need to bust a lung going up the mountain.

Once on top the trail fell off the other side and into another canyon. I ripped down about 50 times faster than it took me to get up there. It wasn’t long before I headed back to the valley floor where I was parked.

There where lot of distractions and side trips. I checked out this cool mine shaft but hesitated to go inside due to the “bats” that have taken up residence in it. eek!

I did the outside loop counter-clockwise. And I did notice there was a mid trail that is available as well. I need to go back out and fine tune the route. Going to be a classic. Cant wait to do “loops” … this would be the most kick ass 24 hour loop ever. And the scenery is not to bas as well.

Last night’s Thursday Night Ride out at the Blue Mountain Rec Area had about 9 of us.  I started out with 6 and we meet up with three others (The Browns).  It was nice to see Ross, Emily, and Lydia … all in one ride.  Cool! We had a split up when one of us flatted and after that I just did small loops with a sub group of Ross and Emily. I know it appears like only two riders but these are the only two photos that turned out.  Check out the TNR Photos!

Devils Slide This Weekend

Tomorrow I team up with some friends for a LONG AWAITED race weekend. We are going to Lewiston Idaho for the Devils Slide Mountain Bike Race.  I am taking my tent and I am soooo excited to hit the dirt on my Leader. It should be a glorious warm weekend to boot!  The season starts now!

Anyone want to go let me know (like it’s too late now but the more the merrier).

What started out as a disaster turned out to be quite an adventure. Everything I hoped for, I found. It started out bad though as I arrived at the Lee Creek Campground ready for my ride into Idaho. As I suited up, I noticed that I forgot my gloves. Any summer day this would not be a problem but the temperatures at 10Am were 35 degrees, no way would I go road biking without gloves. Therefore, I threw a fit and headed home.

As I headed home the Excedrin I had taken before I left home due to a headache started to kick in and I was enjoying a spring drive in my Beetle. But alias, how would I afford the gas. I worried that when I got home I would have to stay because I had no more money for gas. I decided to use my credit card for gas and headed back out for my ride. By noon, I was climbing Lolo Pass on my road bike.

I crested the pass and started to descend. All the sanding during the winter rendered the road a marbled mess. I descended with extreme caution and at time feared for my life. It was exuberayting and I hope that my tires would not puncture due to one of those little sharp rocks.

After the decent into Idaho my first rest stop to get water was at a big cedar forest. I could not help but to take some pictures of these giants. About 20 minutes later down the road, I heard a ping. I looked down and knew that at once I broke a spoke. I did some real handy work to fashion another one and got the wheel back in working order. I headed back to the car from Papoose Creek (20 miles in).

I had been thinking how hard the climb back out into Montana would be but as I approached the pass I realized that I overestimated the climb. It was not easy but I did motor up it in 35 minutes from the chain up area. The rest was downhill and I screamed back to the car. In the process of descending, I noticed a waterfall.

Once back at the car I grabbed my tripod and headed over the Waterfall that I noticed coming back. The waterfall is called Snowshoe Falls and I spent some meditative time there sitting on a large boulder photographing the falls. The pics will be online soon. So there you have it, I made it back and seemed to avoid all those logging trucks.

In all the road bike ride on Rte12 was 41.38 miles in which it took me 3 hours to ride. I did a total of 2,428 feet of vertical climbing on an average grade of 5 topping out at 5,250.97 feet.

I’ve managed to give my mountain bike site a solid update, even though I’m working without internet at home. For a sneak peek at what’s new “this season,” just hit that link. I’m pumped to share the latest trails, gear, and adventures with you all. Here’s to overcoming tech hurdles and hoping for an easier internet setup in the near future!

Still riding the funky train over here, but there’s this little mantra I’ve got on loop in my brain: This too shall pass. Kinda like my attempts at sourdough during lockdown – a phase, albeit a questionable one. So, eyes on the prize, I’ve got to keep chugging along, ticking off those tasks, and crossing that finish line.