Making Authentic Friendships ... A Caring App For Our Autistic And Disabled Community

A web-based application helps individuals with special needs connect to others

It’s a challenging time for all of us to interact and engage with our extended family and friends during this pandemic. With social distancing rules, remote work, and online schooling, we have had to adapt by using innovative, virtual get-togethers to stay connected. Now, imagine, how difficult and unnerving this sudden change in our way-of-life has been for those on the autistic spectrum as well as our disabled communities.

Creating and nurturing friendships and relationships is of utmost necessity for everyone’s emotional health, development, and well-being. For our autistic and disabled friends, who may already have been struggling with ways to interact with others, COVID19’s new rules have resulted in isolation, discomfort, and sadness.

That is why, Juliana Fetherman, whose younger brother, Michael, was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, founded Making Authentic Friendships. “This responsive web-based application helps individuals with special needs (age 13+) find friends at home or on the go, based off their geolocation, diagnosis, age, and interests.” With her brother as her inspiration, Juliana created this fun, easy-to-use, interactive app that works like a game to enable relationships for those who would otherwise struggle to stay in touch with or make new friends.