Vici wins Rep. Mark Takano’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in California’s 39th District

When asked what inspired the creation of Vici, the student said, “The inspiration for creating my application originates from both personal experiences and a deep passion for neuroscience. Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, and witnessing their unique challenges made me acutely aware of the gaps in resources available to them. These interactions sparked a desire in me to create something that could improve their lives, especially considering how overlooked this community has been in terms of public resources and societal awareness.

My journey began with a project assignment to find ways to reduce stress and anxiety in society. Being fascinated by how the brain works,from the firing of neurons to the intricacies of brain function, I knew I wanted to focus on something related to neuroscience. After much reflection, I realized I could make a difference for individuals with low functioning autism spectrum disorders (LFASD), a group whose struggles were personal to me through experiences with friends and family. When I researched available tools for this community, I found that most were prohibitively expensive, often priced at $250 or more, which made them inaccessible to many families. The realization that essential resources were out of reach for so many people only strengthened my resolve to create an application that was free and accessible to all.

What truly fueled my commitment to this project were the people I met along the way. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to meet a behavioral therapist who worked closely with individuals on the autism spectrum. Her encouragement meant the world to me. She shared how families often struggle to find affordable resources, and how an accessible tool could make a real impact. But it was my conversation with a neurodivergent advocate that deepened my passion. She described her experiences living with autism and how proud she was of her neurodivergence. Hearing her speak with such strength and resilience was incredibly moving. She shared how important it is for people like her to have tools that help them navigate daily life while maintaining their sense of identity and pride.

Her words inspired me to create something that could offer more than just functionality. I wanted this application to empower people with LFASD to communicate and learn while also providing them a sense of confidence and support. Through this project, I hope to give back to a community that has deeply inspired me, contributing to a world where neurodivergent individuals are better understood and supported.”