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 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.
