Meet Wable, the innovative connection app bringing neurodivergent people together

This week sees the Australian launch of Wable, a first-of-its-kind connection app and wellness toolbox designed for the neurodivergent community to find friends and/or romantic connections. Designed with additional psychological support and resources, the app tackles challenges that neurodivergent people can face when creating connections. Wable has been designed as a safe online space where users stay in control of how and when they choose to connect.

The app gives users complete control of their profile and information, from offering a range of colour schemes designed to suit sensory preferences to how messages can be sent and received. Wable also features a chat wheel for users to spin for interesting questions and topics to help kickstart a conversation. Some of the app’s safety features include an age restriction of 18+ user, a mandatory selfie verification for every user, no private photo or video messaging in the app, and 2-factor authentication to a mobile number.

A community toolbox will feature videos from a psychologist covering a range of topics, from safety to what to expect on a first date, handling rejection, and even tips on how to create a good profile. Over time, Wable will also add a list of safe venues and sensory-friendly spaces where neurodivergent people can meet. There’s also a jobs board for positions available in neurodivergent, inclusive workplaces.

Like many other Australians during the pandemic, Holly Fowler tuned in to watch the heartwarming series Love on the Spectrum. The hit reality TV show follows the stories of young, neurodivergent people as they explore the dating world. One of its stars, Michael Theo, quickly emerged as a fan favourite for his polite charm, thoughts on dating, and sartorial style. Michael’s tenacity in his search for love inspired Holly to develop a safer way for neurodivergent people to meet.

“The app name comes from the words ‘willing and able’. Neurodivergent people are willing and able to have meaningful relationships, make friends, and fall in love. Wable facilitates the connection and is hopefully a helping hand along the way,” says Holly Fowler, CEO and co-founder of Wable.

“In creating Wable, it was important for me to meet with people from across the neurodivergent community. Their feedback underscored the real need for the platform and helped to shape the user experience. Out of these conversations, I’ve also found a team of incredible people who share my passion for creating Wable.”

Craig Mason, the Executive Chairman of Complii and the Non-Executive Chairman of both TradeForGood and Wable, joined the team as soon as he heard the original pitch. With family both close and extended on the autism spectrum, he passionately believes in building a better way for neurodivergent people to form connections.

Michael Theo was also involved in developing ideas for Wable, and Michael has since become an official ambassador of the app. He now shares his advice with other suitors looking to become “A+ partners” just like him.

“I believe this app will be an important and useful tool for people on the autism spectrum. I think Wable is the way to go,” says Michael.

“My advice to anyone using the app or going on a first date is that the one golden rule, above all else, is just to be yourself. If I can strive to be an A+ partner, so can you.”

With resources developed specifically for the neurodivergent community, Wable’s wellness toolbox is a key point of difference for the app. The toolbox is where Wable users will meet psychologist Phoebe Cummings as she presents a range of helpful video resources. All users will have access to the toolbox from launch, and further resources will be added in time.

“Wable addresses an existing gap in the neurodivergent community for a safe platform to connect with others. The app lets users control their preferences and create different types of connections for friendship, networking, and dating,” says Wable’s lead psychologist, Phoebe Cummings.

“Apps for dating and social connections can be overwhelming and daunting. Wable’s strength is the guidance and support we provide users, helping them build skills and create more meaningful connections online.”

The app is free for users to download and use, including access to the toolbox and its current features. Wable also offers a premium subscription at $9.99 per month for additional perks. These include unlimited likes, a travel mode, seeing other members who have liked your profile, and the ability to send one “heart” every 24 hours. Wable will donate $1 from each premium subscription towards charities supporting the neurodivergent community, starting with Autism Awareness Australia.

Wable is available to download through the Australian iOS and Android app stores. For more information, please visit hellowable.com.