12 | How the VizyPlan App is Helping Autism Families Navigate Daily Routines with Founder Justin Bowman

In this episode of Adult Special Needs Caregiving, host Jenny Olson talks with Justin Bowman, founder and CEO of VizyPlan, a visual routine and planner app for kids and adults with autism, ADHD, and other special needs. Justin shares the story of his son Sawyer's autism diagnosis and how his own family's struggles with meltdowns, transitions, and communication led him and his wife Danielle, a speech language pathologist, to create an app that turns sticky notes and picture boards into an easy digital tool. You'll learn how VizyPlan uses AI generated images, avatars, and social stories to help kids and adults understand their day, prepare for new places, and feel less anxious about change. Justin also talks about the app's calendar features, IEP meeting support, provider tools, and a brand new calming feature called Resna that uses heart rate data to help with focus and anxiety. This episode is packed with real, practical ideas for special needs parents and caregivers looking for tools that actually make daily life easier, whether your loved one is a young child or an adult on the spectrum. Justin also shares great advice on finding community and support in the autism and disability space.

Note: This episode is not sponsored, and Jenny is not an affiliate of VizyPlan.

VizyPlan app: https://vizyplan.com/ Justin Bowman: https://www.instagram.com/vizyplan/ Follow the podcast on Instagram

Timestamps:

• 00:01:49 – Justin introduces himself and his family
• 00:02:22 – Sawyer's early signs and autism diagnosis journey
• 00:08:01 – How Vizyplan started with sticky notes and picture binders
• 00:12:11 – Moving from paper visuals to AI generated images
• 00:16:00 – How Vizyplan avatars and Vizy Stories were created
• 00:18:09 – Using countdowns to prepare kids for big events
• 00:20:20 – Vizyplan's provider tools and Vizi Advocate for IEP meetings
• 00:25:43 – How Vizyplan can help special needs adults, not just kids
• 00:29:23 – Introducing Resna, a new calming and focus tool
• 00:32:25 – Pricing, free trial, and how to download Vizyplan
• 00:36:10 – Justin's advice on finding community and support online