I didn’t set out to build a startup.
I set out to help children communicate.
My journey began while studying Communication Sciences & Disorders and later Speech Language Pathology, where I became deeply interested in how speech and language shape a child’s ability to connect, learn, and grow.
I went on to work as a speech language pathologist in schools, clinics, and hospitals across Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and London, supporting children with a wide range of communication needs.
But across every setting, I saw the same challenge:
Children weren’t getting enough practice.
Speech therapy might happen once or twice a week, but progress depends on what happens in between. Families and teachers wanted to help, but often didn’t have the tools.
Then one moment stayed with me.
I was working with a young child who had little motivation to engage with traditional therapy. But when we introduced an iPad, everything changed, attention, engagement, possibility.
That moment sparked an idea:
What if technology could help children use their voice more?
That’s how ASD 123 began.
We built a voice driven platform where children learn by speaking out loud, turning words into action through play. The goal isn’t to replace therapy, but to extend it; giving children more opportunities to practice communication in everyday moments.
Building ASD 123 has been one of the most challenging and meaningful journeys of my life. It’s taken me from clinician to founder, learning how to build, test, listen, and grow.
But the mission has stayed the same:
To make speech and language support more accessible, more engaging, and more consistent for every child.
Because every child deserves a voice and the opportunity to use it.
If you’re a speech language pathologist, educator, or parent, I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts.
