Our Story: Planting Seeds of Independence
Spectrum Shepherd began not in a boardroom, but in a living room, with a growing realization that took root as William and Kathy's son Charlie, who is on the autism spectrum, navigated his high school years. Like so many parents, William and Kathy were deeply grateful for the wonderful, committed educators who illuminated Charlie’s early path. Their dedication made a world of difference.
As Charlie moved closer to graduation, however, a quiet unease began to settle in. The school offered transition programs, and they were hopeful, yet a persistent feeling grew that these supports, while well-intentioned, simply wouldn’t be enough to truly prepare him for the complexities of adulthood.
The structure and guidance Charlie had come to depend on were soon to recede, and the landscape beyond felt uncertain and undefined. They searched tirelessly for tools and resources that could bridge this gap, something that could offer practical guidance and personalized support as he took his next steps. What they found often lacked the heart, the individual focus, and the real-world practicality that this pivotal transition truly demands.
Our Founders: Where Innovation Meets Purpose
William
Founder
Kevin
Founder
Spectrum Shepherd is the result of a shared vision between longtime friends and colleagues, William and Kevin. With successful careers in Marketing Technology, they've spent years building impactful software solutions.
However, a profound question began to take hold: What if their software experience could directly serve families on their unique journeys?
This pivotal question ignited a powerful new direction. It wasn't simply about creating another software application. Instead, it was about exploring how technology could truly enhance the lives of autistic individuals and those who support them. More specifically: What if technology could empower autistic young adults with intelligent tools that deeply understand and support their unique paths toward greater independence?
Driven by this purpose, William and Kevin founded Spectrum Shepherd and are creating LifeReady, a personalized AI learning companion designed to guide autistic young adults toward greater independence. Their combined experience in building user-centered technology, coupled with a deep desire to make a meaningful difference, forms the foundation of our commitment to innovation, empowerment, and a future where every autistic young adult can confidently navigate their journey to independence.