Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 percent of the global population, equating to around 75 million individuals, with about 1.2 million cases reported in the Philippines. Despite this significant prevalence, accessible and affordable occupational and speech therapy services remain scarce for Filipino parents with children diagnosed with ASD.

Enter Mylo Speech Buddy, an innovative app dedicated to early intervention, which is crucial in enhancing learning, communication, and social skills while fostering positive changes in brain development. Mylo Speech Buddy is designed to aid nonverbal children in progressing from zero words to their first, utilizing a video modeling method and offering clear enunciation guidance for parents to facilitate speech development from the comfort of their homes.

Rocha at the Mylo App launch and World Autism Awareness Day

To ensure the app's effectiveness, Mylo's team has worked closely with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and medical professionals who understand the unique needs of individuals within the autism spectrum. The team also includes parents with firsthand experience raising children with ASD, combined with extensive expertise in content development for preschool and special education.

In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Mylo Speech Buddy offered free access to the app and released "Ausome Stories" videos on social media, showcasing real-life families with members on the autism spectrum.

Mylo Speech Buddy's commitment to making a significant impact has been recognized with its selection for the 2024 Echelon Top100 Growth Program. This accolade highlights the app's innovative approach and potential to transform the lives of children and their families. The Echelon Top100 Growth Program, held at the Singapore Expo, is Southeast Asia's premier tech and startup conference organized by e27, bringing together thousands of startups, SMEs, investors, and corporations from over 30 countries.

Today we had a chance to speak with founder Vincent Rocha. An accomplished entrepreneur, Vincent has extensive experience in both corporate and startup environments. His primary objective is to empower nonverbal children to progress from zero words to their first word, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of those affected by Autism. Alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits, Vincent has founded Sproutrooms, a platform aimed at helping hotels, homestays, and vacation rental companies optimize their sales and marketing efforts.

Vincent Rocha with wife Nikki and son Noah

Throughout his career, Vincent has showcased a dedication to lifelong learning and personal development, continually updating his skill set to stay ahead in the industry. With a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Santo Tomas, Vincent combines his academic background with practical experience to drive innovation and positive change in the business landscape.

Thought Junkie: Mr. Rocha, please share with our readers your background and the journey that got you here today.

Rocha: I started Mylo Speech Buddy inspired by my personal journey with my son, Noah, who was diagnosed with autism at two years old. My professional background in technology and personal experience with autism drove me to create a tool that could help children like Noah. Through dedication and perseverance, we developed Mylo Speech Buddy, gaining recognition and support from various pitch competitions, innovation challenges, and the unwavering support from the autism community has been instrumental in our success and growth.

What inspired you to start Mylo Buddy? How needed is it in today's society?

Mylo Speech Buddy was established in July 2023 by myself, Vincent Rocha, and co-founder Enrico Aquino. The inspiration came from my son's autism diagnosis and the need for effective, accessible speech therapy tools. In today's society, such tools are crucial to support children with autism and speech delays, helping them achieve their full potential and promoting greater understanding and inclusion.

What was the journey like? What were your biggest challenges?

The journey has been both challenging and rewarding. The biggest challenges included securing funding, raising awareness, and developing a tool that truly meets the needs of children with autism. Competing in pitch competitions and collaborating with industry leaders helped overcome these obstacles and refine our approach.

What have you learned about yourself in the process?

I've learned a great deal about myself throughout this journey. Most notably, I've come to appreciate the importance of resilience — persevering through challenges and setbacks while remaining dedicated to our mission. The journey has also highlighted the power of community support; the encouragement and feedback from parents, therapists, and individuals within the autism community have been invaluable in refining Mylo Speech Buddy.

Moreover, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of leveraging technology for social good, and seeing how our app has helped children like my son Noah and other individuals with autism communicate better, has deepened my commitment to fostering inclusion and advocating for those with autism. This journey continues to teach me the significance of empathy, innovation, and collaboration in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.