Creating Safe Spaces for Neurodiverse Voices: An Insight into Anish Suri’s Mission

As awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow, entrepreneurs like Anish Suri are pioneering solutions designed to bridge the gap between technology and human connection. Suri’s two groundbreaking platforms, SureSpace and My NDPA, aim to uplift individuals with neurodiverse challenges, including ADHD and autism, by offering personalized support. In this exclusive interview, Suri shares the vision behind these platforms and his mission to make a difference in the lives of children, teens, and young adults.

Know the Connection between SureSpace and My NDPA

“SureSpace and My NDPA are intrinsically linked by their shared mission to empower neurodiverse individuals,” Anish begins, explaining how the platforms cater to different age groups within the neurodiverse population. “While My NDPA is focused on supporting children and teens aged 7-14 with ADHD and autism, SureSpace is designed for young adults aged 18-25 with ADHD. Both platforms aim to empower neurodiverse individuals, though the challenges each group faces are unique.” He elaborates on this, noting that while younger users may struggle with verbal communication, adults often face issues of isolation.

What’s My NDPA?

“My NDPA is a neurodiverse personal assistant,” Anish says, highlighting how it provides targeted support for children and teens with verbal communication difficulties. “The app includes parental supervision tools for independent travel, and modules built around self-awareness, following Mosaic Charity’s guidelines. Our focus is to help users practice verbal communication in a safe and supportive environment.”

The Inspiration Behind My NDPA

Suri’s inspiration for creating My NDPA came from working with a concierge MVP who was a teen facing neurodiverse challenges due to ADHD. “This teen shared personal struggles with social anxiety, trust issues, and a strong desire for creative expression,” Suri recalls. “Through that process, we developed a concierge MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to understand the challenges neurodiverse teens face.” This journey of discovery led to the birth of My NDPA, a tool designed to empower young people through communication, creativity, and travel independence.

What Sets My NDPA Apart?

When asked about what differentiates My NDPA from other apps, Suri points to its unique blend of AI-powered screening and emotional support. “SureSpace, which complements My NDPA, creates a safe space supported by AI and inspirational figures who guide users through their neurodiverse journey,” he explains. “There’s a real gap in the market for what we’re doing, and we’re excited to fill it,” he adds.

Looking Ahead: Active Users and Growth

SureSpace is gearing up for its official launch in November, and Suri has ambitious plans for growth. “We’re targeting 2,000 active users by March, or at the latest, June next year,” he shares. With neurodiversity receiving more attention globally, there is a growing demand for such tools, and Suri is optimistic about the platform’s potential to reach and support those who need it.

Early Impact and User Validation

Though the platform is still in its early stages, its impact has already been felt. Suri recounts how a focus group of 11 teens and 12 parents helped validate the app’s purpose. “88% of participants expressed a strong desire to get out of the house, 73% were focused on building communication skills, and 77% highlighted the importance of expressing themselves through creativity,” he notes. This feedback has fueled the app’s development, pushing Suri’s team to incorporate AI-driven emotion detection in future versions to assist users during moments of crisis.

Current and Future Features

The current features of SureSpace include the ability to post AI-generated content, comment, like, share, and participate in community events. “We’re building a space where neurodiverse young adults can connect creatively and socially,” Suri says. Looking forward, the platform aims to include more creative outlets, such as art and drawing tools, to engage its users. “Our MVP will continue to evolve as we work towards product-market fit,” Suri emphasizes.

The Journey

As Suri reflects on his journey, he is quick to credit the teamwork that has helped bring his vision to life. From pinpointing the problem to collaborating closely with in-house software developers, a UI/UX designer, and a CTO he has worked with for a long time, Suri has led this transformative project every step of the way. The team is growing, now including an extensive board of advisors, a new chief marketing officer, and an employee in support and operations. As CEO and product head, Suri is now preparing for the launch of SureSpace in the coming months.

In a world where technology often overlooks the needs of marginalized communities, Anish Suri is doing his bit to ensure that neurodiverse individuals are not just seen but supported. With the upcoming launch of SureSpace and the growing community of My NDPA, Suri’s platforms are set to make a lasting impact on the neurodiverse population.

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