Neo Sophia Launches Free AI Autism Screener Built on AAP-Recommended Guidelines

A clinically validated screening tool, now redesigned for parents with AI support and instant results at home.

ATLANTA, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Neo Sophia today announced the launch of Screener, a free mobile app that brings the gold-standard M-CHAT-R autism screening directly to parents. Designed for families who are concerned about their toddler's development, Screener helps parents screen their child in under 10 minutes using the same evidence-based tool trusted by pediatricians. The goal is clear: empower families to take early action and close the gap in missed or delayed diagnoses.

Screener is now available at neosophia.com/screener on iOS and Android.

"Too many children are missing early intervention because families are forced to wait months for evaluations or rush through short visits," said N. Riva Kajangu, Co-Founder and CEO of Neo Sophia. "Screener gives parents clarity right away. No waitlists. No paperwork. Just answers when they matter most."

Making Early Screening Possible for Every Family

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months, more than 70 percent of children are never screened. As a result, most children are diagnosed between ages four and five years after the most effective window for early brain development and intervention.

Screener was created to help change that. By putting the power of screening directly in the hands of families, Neo Sophia is helping parents act early, feel informed, and arrive at doctor's appointments better prepared to take the next step.

AI That Meets Parents Where They Are

The app guides parents through the M-CHAT-R assessment, developed by Diana Robins, Ph.D, Deborah Fein, Ph.D, and Marianne Barton, Ph.D, in a warm and easy-to-understand format. Unlike static forms or complex paperwork, Screener uses an AI assistant that personalizes the experience for each family offering simple explanations, relatable examples, and thoughtful guidance to ensure every parent understands each question, regardless of background or education level.

"We built Screener to feel like a conversation, not a test," Kajangu explained. "Parents deserve clarity, and they deserve it now, not months from now."

From Screening to Action in One App

Dr. Timothy Hsu, Psychiatrist and Pediatric Advisor at Neo Sophia, champions this approach: "Neo Sophia embraces the logical next step in technology-assisted healthcare by utilizing advanced AI to deliver high-quality services to patients without the burden of added clinic visits. By ensuring that quality screening happens between visits, parents can arrive informed, with results in-hand from validated screening tools. This lets physicians and other professionals focus precious appointment time on next steps rather than initial assessment."

Beyond screening, Screener answers the critical "what now" moment that often leaves families overwhelmed. After completing the assessment, parents receive immediate results and are connected to local early intervention centers and specialists through a built-in resource finder.

Key features of the Screener app include:

• AI-powered assistance that simplifies each question and provides examples
• Instant results and risk scores with clear guidance for what to do next
• Local resource search connects families with specialists and intervention programs
• Pediatrician-ready reports that can be shared digitally or printed for appointments
• HIPAA-compliant privacy and data protection
• Free access for all families in English, Spanish and other languages coming soon

"We believe every child deserves to be screened, and every parent deserves the tools to act early," Kajangu said. "We are not waiting for systems to change. Parents can take the first step today."

How to Get Started

Families can download Screener today at no cost on both iOS and Android. Visit neosophia.com/screener to begin the screening process and explore support resources.

About Neo Sophia

Neo Sophia is a family health technology company building AI-powered tools that make early screening and wellness tracking accessible to every household. Starting with autism, the company is focused on helping families take informed action before the doctor's visit, making healthcare more proactive, personalized, and equitable.

Repost Quotes:

• "70 percent of toddlers never receive autism screening. Neo Sophia is changing that." #EarlyIntervention #NeoSophia
  
  
• "Don't wait for your next doctor's appointment. Screen your toddler tonight with Screener." #NeoSophia

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SOURCE Neo Sophia