Our CEO, Vanessa, sought to create Ava after finding solace in gaming as an autistic teen. Like many autistic individuals, Vanessa experienced a lot of shame surrounding her diagnosis due to external pressure from others to conform.
Through gaming, Vanessa was able to practice social skills on her own terms and build confidence in herself as a neurodivergent person instead of feeling like she had to hide or change part of her identity.
After spending some time as a neuroscience researcher, she set out with a goal that is now shared amongst the Social Cipher team: to create a game that helps neurodiverse youth see themselves positively, communicate their own needs, and find their place in the world.