This app helps track children's milestones for early detection of developmental issues

A group of doctors and experts developed a new app called AGAP.AI, which can be used for early detection of developmental issues and other conditions, such as autism.

In Martin Javier's report in "24 Oras," Analia Carreon, a parent, said she only relied on online videos to confirm her growing concerns about her child.

"At the age of one and a half years old, may mga na-detect na kaming signs or red flags of autism. My husband and I decided to have an assessment with a developmental pediatrician," she said.

However, the wait proved challenging. It took four months before their child was finally assessed by a specialist—a time that experts say is critical for early intervention.

"Very limited din po ang mga specialists natin, so mahirap din silang hanapin," said Dr. Ebner Maceda, the Chief Medical Officer of AGAP.AI.

"Kapag maaga mong natutuklasan 'yung mga delays at nakagawa ka ng early intervention, mas maganda 'yung nagiging outcome ng mga kondisyon na ito kasi naaagapan," said AGAP.AI Chief Health Development Officer Dr. Ma-am Joy Tumulak.

To help bridge this gap, they developed AGAP.AI, which is designed to help parents easily record and monitor their children's developmental milestones.

"Kapag nire-review mo 'yung developmental milestones, umaasa lang sa recall ng parents. Pero sa app na ito, may listahan na sila. Mas objective at mas napapadali ang monitoring ng mga doctors," Ebner said.

Once parents enter their child's information, the app automatically shows age-appropriate milestones, organized by month and grouped into social, communication, cognitive, and physical development.

"Once na-enroll ng parents ang kaniyang information, ie-enroll rin niya ang information ng kaniyang kid. Then lalabas dito 'yung mga milestones niya," Chief Operating Officer Maria Cristina Zapanta said. 

"From zero to two months, makikita na agad 'yung mga milestone activities per domain. So we have, social, communication, cognitive, and physical," Zapanta added.

The milestones featured in the app are carefully researched and based on reliable medical sources. Parents can also access detailed descriptions, activities to try at home, and guidance on when to be concerned.

The app also allows parents to upload photos and videos of their children. These are processed using AI technology to help summarize whether there may be signs of developmental delay.

Aside from early detection, the app also connects parents to doctors and therapy centers—especially crucial while waiting for medical appointments.

"Ikukonekta din namin 'yung mga parents sa doctors at therapy centers. Habang naghihintay ng doctor's appointment, the moment you detect there is delay, you already start the intervention," AGAP.AI Chief Executive Reynand Jay Canoy said. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News