Friendship knows no boundaries, as proven by neurodivergent teens Vir Kapoor and Mihaan Dhall. Their contrasting personalities and shared humour have created a bond that inspires countless others. Motivated by this connection, their mothers developed the Buddy Up Network, a groundbreaking friendship app for people with disabilities. This app offers a secure and inclusive space to nurture meaningful relationships.
The genesis of Buddy Up Network
Vir and Mihaan’s friendship journey is both unique and relatable. While Mihaan, who has Down Syndrome, thrives in social circles, Vir, diagnosed with autism, often finds socialising stressful. Their connection grew organically, breaking stereotypes about neurodivergent friendships. Their mothers, Gopika and Moneisha, realised the power of such relationships and wanted to extend this opportunity to others.
The result? Buddy Up Network, a dedicated app designed for people with disabilities and their caregivers. It’s a platform where users can find friends who resonate with their personalities, hobbies, and needs.
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Understanding neurodivergent friendships
For Gopika, helping her son Vir find a friend was challenging. Traditional playdates, structured and short, often fell flat. Watching Vir and Mihaan connect without intervention showed her the importance of creating organic relationships.
Mihaan’s exuberance balances Vir’s quiet demeanour, proving that differences can be strengths in friendships. As Mihaan admires Vir’s LEGO creations, Vir appreciates Mihaan’s musical talents and lively spirit. Their bond exemplifies how friendship transcends disabilities.
Features of Buddy Up Network
The Buddy Up Network app prioritises inclusivity and accessibility. Here are its standout features:
- Multilingual access: Available in English and Hindi.
- Search filters: Find friends by age, location, interests, disability, and gender.
- Caregiver support: Accounts for users under 18 or those needing decision-making assistance.
- Open to all disabilities: A platform for people with varied challenges to connect meaningfully.
Friendship beyond therapy and jobs
The app’s creators emphasise that friendship is as crucial as therapy, education, or employment for people with disabilities. Gopika and Moneisha’s vision is simple yet profound—everyone deserves a friend. The Buddy Up Network has already received widespread appreciation, opening doors for neurodivergent individuals to connect, share, and grow.
As Mihaan puts it, “Everyone should have a friend… a friend like Vir.” Buddy Up Network is making this vision a reality, one connection at a time.
