We help kids feel safe being themselves, and confidence follows.

Building confidence for real moments.

HelloMyFriend is an emotionally intelligent mobile companion that supports autistic and neurodivergent children in exploring communication, connection, and self-expression, building confidence in ways that honor how they naturally think, feel, and interact.

Launching Spring 2026, co-designed with neurodivergent voices, families, and clinicians.

HelloMyFriend offers a safe, judgment-free space where children can try out conversations, express themselves, and build confidence at their own pace, without pressure to mask, perform, or be someone they’re not.

HelloMyFriend doesn’t teach children how to “fit in.” It helps them feel understood, so real connection becomes possible.

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The Challenge: Social Anxiety in Autism

1 in 31

Prevalence

US children have ASD

49%

Social Struggles

Of children with ASD face social challenges

63%

Isolation Risk

At risk of social isolation

31%

Access

Have regular access to appropriate therapy

Children with ASD frequently experience significant challenges with social interaction and communication, including difficulty interpreting facial expressions and understanding nonverbal cues, often leading to heightened social anxiety in everyday interactions.

These social difficulties manifest in various settings - from school playgrounds to family gatherings - creating barriers to forming meaningful relationships. Many children with autism struggle with initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and understanding social hierarchies, which can lead to feelings of confusion and frustration.

The consequences of these challenges extend beyond childhood. Without effective intervention, these social difficulties can impact academic performance, emotional well-being, and long-term mental health. Studies show that children with ASD who lack support for social skill development are more likely to experience depression and anxiety disorders in adolescence and adulthood.

Despite the clear need for intervention, access to specialized social skills training remains limited. Traditional therapy sessions are often expensive, infrequent, and difficult to access for many families, particularly those in rural or underserved communities. This accessibility gap highlights the urgent need for innovative, scalable solutions that can reach children wherever they are.

Solution: HelloMyFriend App Overview

Confidence Building

Transfer skills to real-world situations

Progress Tracking

Dashboard for parents and therapists

Interactive Avatars

Natural responses with immediate feedback

Roleplay

Safe, judgment-free practice environment

Our app provides customizable roleplay scenarios for children ages 5-20, adapting to different developmental needs and social contexts in a safe digital environment that eliminates the anxiety of real-world interactions. HelloMyFriend addresses common social challenges including conversation initiation, understanding facial expressions, and navigating group settings. Using evidence-based behavioral techniques and playful avatar-based communication, we transform challenging social situations into approachable social experiences.

Product Features and User Experience

HelloMyFriend delivers a comprehensive suite of tools designed specifically for neurodiverse children to build social confidence in a supportive environment.

Subscription Value

$29.99 monthly fee includes all premium features. No hidden costs or in-app purchases. Family plans available with discounts for multiple users, and scholarships for families in need.

Identity Representation

Diverse avatar library reflects users' backgrounds. Children see themselves in their learning journey. Customization options include cultural attire, mobility aids, and sensory accessories to ensure authentic representation.

Practical Scenarios

Real-world social situations from simple greetings to resolving conflicts. Scenarios grow with the child. Settings include school cafeterias, birthday parties, doctor visits, and family gatherings tailored to age and ability level.

Adaptive Learning

Our proprietary algorithm tracks progress and adjusts difficulty based on individual performance. The system identifies areas of strength and challenge, providing more practice where needed and advancing when ready.

Parent Dashboard

Comprehensive reporting tools show progress over time. Set goals, review completed activities, and receive professional recommendations for supporting development at home or in therapy sessions.

Accessibility First

Designed with input from autism specialists and neurodiverse users. Features include adjustable sensory settings (colors, sounds, animations), clear instructions, and compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies.

Every feature in HelloMyFriend has been developed with extensive input from children with autism, their families, and clinical experts to ensure a meaningful, effective, and enjoyable experience that translates to real-world confidence.

Market Need and Impact

The growing recognition of neurodiversity has created an urgent demand for specialized tools that support children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Yet despite increasing awareness, significant gaps remain in accessible, effective solutions.

68%

Of families report inadequate access to specialized services in their communities.

12-18 months

Waiting lists for qualified therapists can extend this long or more, some waiting up to three years from diagnosis to intervention – a critical developmental period for children with autism where early intervention is key.

Growing Prevalence

Autism diagnosis rates have increased 178% since 2000, creating an ever-expanding need for accessible support systems that can reach families regardless of location.

Economic Barriers

Traditional therapy sessions cost $100-250 per hour, with recommended treatment plans often requiring 20+ hours weekly, placing effective intervention beyond many families' financial reach.

Digital Adoption

92% of children with autism already engage with digital content daily, making app-based interventions a familiar and comfortable medium for delivering therapeutic content.

By addressing these critical market gaps with an affordable, accessible, and evidence-based solution, HelloMyFriend is positioned to transform the landscape of support for neurodiverse children and their families worldwide.

Our Team: Passionate Experts

HelloMyFriend brings together leaders in AI, psychology, and education who are dedicated to transforming the lives of neurodiverse children.

Amy Stratbucker

CEO Hello My Friend

Co-founder and CEO of HelloMyFriend, She is dedicated to human centered innovation at the intersection of leadership and technology. Drawing on 30 years in biotech and pharma, Amy champions trust, courage, and curiosity - helping leaders and teams thrive while shaping solutions that will empower every child to feel seen and understood.

Craig Tucker

Leading the Virtual Emotion Resource Network, He champions the cutting-edge development of VERN AI's patented emotion detection software. He specializes in real-time emotional state analysis, revolutionizing interactions between humans and technology.

Daniel Hungerford

Expert in virtual friendship simulation. Specialized in creating accessible digital human interfaces for multiple applications to bring customizable interactions from companionship to education through state-of-the-art digital human technology.