Access to Autism Teletherapy Expands in PH with DOST support

As teletherapy becomes more of a norm, parents with autistic kids may have more accessible options for early intervention

Access to therapy for Filipino children with autism may soon become more seamless, as digital health platform SpeakClinic scales up its teletherapy services with support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

Backed through the agency’s Startup Research Grant Program, SpeakClinic is set to undergo a one-year research and development roadmap aimed at strengthening its digital healthcare ecosystem. The plan includes an integrated therapy booking and appointment system, alongside machine learning tools designed to support more efficient pediatric intervention and data-informed care.

At its core, SpeakClinic bridges families to licensed clinicians. It allows parents to book consultations, access teletherapy sessions, and connect with verified specialists through a single platform. It operates alongside Mylo Speech Buddy, a companion app focused on speech development and daily language support.

Closing the gap in access to therapy

The Filipino family’s struggle to access resources and intervene to help their autistic children thrive has always been more of a logistics problem. Limited specialist availability, cost barriers, and distance are the usual issues. But with teletherapy slowly becoming more streamlined, therapists and families can finally contact each other and help autistic children thrive—even if they’re beyond the borders of the region.

SpeakClinic functions as a directory of licensed professionals and a booking platform for sessions and consultations. It’s timely too, as April marks World Autism Awareness Month, a global observance centered on inclusion, early intervention, and long-term support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Because nowadays, what use is a developmental intervention when it cannot be migrated to a tech platform?

Building a research-backed digital care system

With DOST-PCHRD’s backing, SpeakClinic is expected to evolve into a more integrated system combining clinical research, data-driven tools, and coordinated care between families, therapists, and medical professionals.

Vincent Rocha, Founder and CEO of Mylo Incorporated, described the partnership as a key milestone for the platform’s development.

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

How the platform works

According to Mylo Speech Buddy, parents can see a list of available licensed professionals categorized by specialization, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental pediatrics.

They can select a preferred clinician, choose a time slot, provide necessary details, and confirm appointments through the platform’s payment system. Sessions may be conducted via teleconsultation, with future plans including enhanced therapist tools and potential home visit options.

The platform also integrates AI-supported features within its web-based system for therapists, including session documentation and clinical notes.

A growing shift toward digital care

Tech has always had one function: to connect. And in this particular case, tech opens leads families to the doors of licensed therapists who can help their children thrive.

Platforms like SpeakClinic signal a broader shift toward hybrid, tech-enabled healthcare—which is especially useful for a country like an archipelagic country like the Philippines. Because, if we can knock down a few more barriers between concern and care with tech, why not?

Families can access SpeakClinic at www.speakclinic.com to connect with licensed professionals.