Bridging the Gap: DOST-PCHRD Funds SpeakClinic to Revolutionize Autism Teletherapy

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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCHRD) awards a research grant to SpeakClinic to integrate machine learning and streamlined scheduling for pediatric teletherapy.

DOST-PCHRD Backs SpeakClinic to Expand Teletherapy Access for Children with Autism This World Autism Awareness Month

Manila, Philippines — SpeakClinic, a digital health platform designed to connect families with licensed clinicians, is expanding access to teletherapy services for children with autism after receiving support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). 

The support comes through DOST-PCHRD’s Startup Research Grant Program,  which funds continued development of the platform. The grant provides a one-year research and development roadmap  that includes an integrated therapy appointment and reservation system, as well as machine learning capabilities to support more efficient pediatric intervention and evidence-based care.

SpeakClinic enables families to access teletherapy services by connecting them with licensed clinicians for scheduling and e-consultations. It operates alongside Mylo Speech Buddy, a speech therapy support app, which helps with both clinical consultations and daily language development. The platform was created to address persistent gaps in access to speech and developmental therapy in the Philippines, where many families continue to face challenges related to distance, cost, and limited availability of specialists.

Many Filipino families of children who need developmental support continue to face challenges in accessing timely and consistent therapy due to a shortage of specialized professionals. These constraints have made it difficult for many families, particularly those outside major urban centers, to access timely intervention. SpeakClinic seeks to address this gap by functioning as both a directory of verified specialists and a platform where families can directly book appointments and access teletherapy services.

The initiative comes as April marks World Autism Awareness Month, a global observance that highlights the importance of inclusive support systems and early intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum. Throughout April,  Mylo Speech Buddy is distributing vouchers for 30-day free access to its speech development platform, while SpeakClinic currently does not charge membership fees for users accessing its services. 

DOST-PCHRD’s backing is also expected to support the platform’s development into a more integrated digital ecosystem that combines clinical research, data-driven tools, and collaborative care among clinicians, therapists, and families. This public-sector support strengthens its potential to scale while ensuring that interventions remain grounded in validated healthcare practices.

Vincent Rocha, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mylo Incorporated, shared that the support from DOST-PCHRD marks a significant milestone for the platform’s growth and credibility.

“The support from DOST-PCHRD is a turning point for Mylo. What started as a personal journey to help children access speech therapy has grown into a research-backed digital healthcare solution. This partnership allows us to ensure that our tools are grounded in clinical evidence while reaching more Filipino families who need consistent support,” said Mr. Rocha.

Beyond its clinical innovation, Mylo Speech Buddy continues to champion autism advocacy through the third edition of “Ausome Stories,” a digital storytelling series that has generated over 20 million organic views since its launch.

The latest season, launched on April 14, 2026, and hosted by Tuesday Vargas, features families alongside insights from therapists and medical professionals, underscoring the importance of early intervention, sustained support, and holistic care across all stages of life.

Finding the right therapist can be challenging for many families—download the SpeakClinic app at www.speakclinic.com to connect with licensed professionals more easily. 

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10 Benefits of the SpeakClinic & DOST-PCHRD Partnership

  1. Geographic Reach: Families in remote provinces can now access top-tier specialists without traveling to the city.
  2. Evidence-Based Care: DOST backing ensures that all interventions are grounded in validated medical research.
  3. Machine Learning Insights: AI tools help clinicians track progress more accurately and tailor interventions.
  4. Cost-Effectiveness: Teletherapy reduces the logistical costs of repeated hospital or clinic visits.
  5. Verified Specialists: The platform serves as a trusted directory, ensuring all clinicians are licensed and vetted.
  6. Seamless Scheduling: An integrated reservation system removes the friction of booking appointments.
  7. Daily Support: Mylo Speech Buddy provides “between-session” support for continuous language practice.
  8. Public-Sector Credibility: Government support increases trust among both healthcare providers and parents.
  9. Early Intervention: Easier access leads to earlier diagnoses and faster starts for critical developmental work.
  10. Community Awareness: Integrated advocacy (like Ausome Stories) helps reduce the social stigma surrounding autism.

ABOUT MYLO SPEECH BUDDY

Founded in 2023 by Vincent Rocha and Enrico Aquino, Mylo Speech Buddy is an innovative speech development system designed for children with speech delays, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Created by parents of children with ASD and backed by speech pathologists and educators, the platform provides accessible, expert-driven speech therapy solutions.

With over 100,000 global users, Mylo Speech Buddy remains committed to expanding its advocacy for autism inclusion.

Mylo Speech Buddy is also a locally and internationally award-winning app, earning prestigious recognition both in the Philippines and abroad. In 2024, it was honored with Gold awards for Tech Startup of the Year – Software and New Product of the Year – Educational Technology at the international Stevie Awards, while also winning Gold for Social Impact Award and Silver for Best Newcomer Award and Innovative Product of the Year at the 2nd KMC Startup Awards. Its distinctions underscore Mylo Speech Buddy’s impact as an innovative platform that bridges technology and inclusive education.

Conclusion

The collaboration between DOST-PCHRD and SpeakClinic is a shining example of how technology can be harnessed for the greater good. By combining government-backed research with the personal passion of founders who understand the autism journey firsthand, the Philippines is setting a new standard for inclusive healthcare. This World Autism Awareness Month, the message is clear: through innovation and empathy, no child—and no family—should be left behind.

Link Resources

Key Phrases

  1. SpeakClinic teletherapy for autism Philippines
  2. DOST-PCHRD Startup Research Grant SpeakClinic
  3. Mylo Speech Buddy speech therapy app
  4. World Autism Awareness Month 2026 Manila
  5. Access to speech pathologists in the Philippines
  6. Machine learning in pediatric healthcare
  7. Vincent Rocha Mylo Speech Buddy founder
  8. Ausome Stories digital series Tuesday Vargas
  9. Telehealth solutions for Filipino children with ASD
  10. Evidence-based digital healthcare Philippines

Best Hashtags

#SpeakClinic #MyloSpeechBuddy #DOSTPCHRD #AutismAwarenessPH #WorldAutismMonth #AusomeStories #HealthTechPH #Teletherapy #InclusivePhilippines #EarlyIntervention

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

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