“My youngest daughter, Ella, was diagnosed at age 2 with autism. Early on, when we discovered that, we scrambled. My wife and I had no idea what to do or how to respond to those meltdowns, so we were initially just trading text messages like ‘keep track of this and that.’ I searched everywhere for a better solution.

I am currently a software engineering student here at the U, in the Professional Education Program. I have a background in graphic design, web design early on and some coding. The program here at the U actually taught me how to build systems and how to integrate front-end, back-end and development, essentially all together. As I got further in the program, I thought, ‘Why don’t I build a place where we can actually store all this data?’

That experience ultimately led me to build SpectrumNest.

SpectrumNest is essentially a mobile app that allows parents or caregivers to register with minimal information. Once they’re in the app, they can track triggers, behaviors, meltdowns, sleep progress, diet, vitamins and also meaningful moments so they can celebrate wins if he or she’s having a good day. It also has a function called Parent Space, where parents can communicate with other parents, learn patterns and share information.

We’re on day 17 since launch today, and so far it’s been great. I’ve got about 4,100 followers on TikTok, and a few of the posts have gone viral—with one exceeding 2.5 million views. I’ve received a lot of positive comments, including one that said it was a game changer for their family. We have about 200 members right now, which isn’t bad for a few weeks of launch, but I’m less focused on attention; I wanted this to be useful for parents.

I’m hoping that it gets into the hands of parents that’ll actually use it. If I can, within the next five years, get to 5% of the community, that would make me really proud.”

— Dosh Barzanji, software engineering student and founder of SpectrumNest