The development of Mylo Speech Buddy came from a father’s desire to help his child, who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, some people with ASD may have difficulty with social communication and interaction, among other symptoms.
“Mylo Speech Buddy is a platform that enables parents to actively support their child’s speech development right at home,” said Vincent Rocha, president, and CEO of Mylo Speech Buddy.
Rocha emphasized that the app was developed to complement, not replace, existing therapies, which are done at certain periods. The app can be used at home in between therapy sessions. The app employs a video modeling method and provides clear enunciation guidance for parents.
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In developing the app, Rocha closely collaborated with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and medical professionals who prioritize the unique needs of individuals within the autism spectrum. Its team is composed of parents who have personal experience raising children with ASD, coupled with extensive expertise in content development for preschool and special education.
As of March 2023, the CDC estimated that there are 1 in 36 children has autism.
ASD, commonly known as autism, is a global condition affecting approximately 1% or 75 million individuals worldwide. In the Philippines, around 1.2 million cases of ASD are reported and approximately one in 100 children is diagnosed with autism. This underscores the scarcity of accessible and affordable occupational and speech therapy services for Filipino parents with children diagnosed with ASD.
Rocha also highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy, “Ausome Stories allows us to share the diverse experiences of individuals with autism, celebrating their strengths and achievements.”
Initially, Mylo Speech Buddy app was offered for free. But when it was offered as a subscription-based service, more users are able to sustain its use.