Background and Inspiration

While waiting at an airport disability help desk, Jennifer Opal experienced a sensory overload that left staff uncertain how to assist her. Wearing a badge indicating an invisible disability did not prevent the confusion. The incident spurred Opal, a UK‑based software developer and neurodiversity advocate, to envision a technology solution that could anticipate and mitigate such moments for other neurodivergent individuals.

Development of ssensimm

Opal initially built ssensimm as a personal machine‑learning project. After sharing a prototype on LinkedIn, the concept resonated widely, generating 50,000 views and prompting thousands of people to sign up for a wait‑list. Recognizing the broader demand, Opal expanded the project into a fully fledged app, aiming to fill gaps in patient care where traditional diagnostic and support services fall short.

How the App Works

ssensimm connects to wearable devices—most notably the Apple Watch, but also the Oura Ring and Ultrahuman Ring—to collect real‑time sensory inputs such as noise levels, location, fatigue, and personal usage patterns. These data points feed an AI engine powered by Claude AI, which analyzes patterns and forecasts potential sensory challenges. The app then delivers proactive recommendations, such as suggesting quieter venues, alternate travel routes, or reminders to take breaks. In critical moments, ssensimm can also message a trusted contact for additional support.

Privacy‑First Architecture

All processing occurs locally on the user’s device, with data stored securely on the device itself. If connectivity is lost, the app falls back to pre‑trained recommendations until a network connection is restored. Opal emphasizes that the app is not monetized and that user privacy is a core design principle.

Community Impact and Future Plans

The early response indicates strong community interest, with nearly 5,000 individuals joining the wait‑list within three weeks of launch. While the current version requires an Apple Watch for full functionality, Opal is exploring broader device compatibility to reach a wider audience. The goal remains to provide a reliable, non‑intrusive support tool that empowers neurodivergent people to navigate daily life with greater confidence.

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