How neurodiverse social app Kaboose is expanding its global footprint

A Melbourne-founded community app that is focused on connecting autistic and neurodivergent individuals with friends, mentors and employment is nearing approximately 10,000 users globally, with its founder confirming that the social app will only continue to grow.

Kaboose, a social app for the neurodiverse community, was launched by its founder Michelle Ridsdale in 2021 after seeing her son Nick, who is neurodivergent, face social isolation, bullying and missed educational opportunities, leading to severe mental distress and multiple hospitalisations throughout his life.

Ridsdale said without the chance to find a supportive community or develop job skills, her son struggled with his mental health and couldn’t access employment.

With Kaboose nearing approximately 10,000 users globally, and growing, with a waitlist for its mentoring program, the community app has a team of five supporting autistic and neurodivergent people in their journey towards employment and long-lasting friendships.

Speaking with SmartCompany, Ridsdale said as many as 20% of the population are neurodivergent, totalling almost 1.6