A Dorset-based entrepreneur has launched a new digital platform aimed at helping businesses better support neurodivergent employees – with a focus on reducing burnout and improving retention.
Rosie Weldon, an autistic speaker, author and entrepreneur, launched AutiPocket on 1 April to coincide with Autism Acceptance Month. The platform is designed as a practical workplace tool, offering real-time support for neurodivergent staff navigating day-to-day pressures.
Weldon says the idea stems from a clear gap between diagnosis and the realities of working life. ‘Many neurodivergent professionals aren’t leaving roles because they lack ability,’ she says. ‘They’re leaving because the environment requires too much invisible labour to sustain.’
Immediate practical guidance
Weldon’s own experience sits behind the concept. After graduating with near-perfect academic results, she began a career in banking and was diagnosed as autistic at 25. While outwardly successful, she has since spoken about the impact of sustained masking, sensory overload and burnout. In 2018, she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, linked to prolonged stress, after losing the ability to walk.
The concept for AutiPocket grew from the informal support she relied on from her brother – Autipocket’s co-founder, Charlie.
During moments of overwhelm – whether travel disruption, difficult conversations or sensory stress – he provided immediate, practical guidance. The platform is designed to replicate that kind of support at scale.
At its core, AutiPocket provides structured, on-demand guidance to help users prepare for challenging situations, manage them in real time and recover afterwards. A central feature, ‘Welbie’, acts as a digital companion during moments of stress, guiding users through responses and coping strategies.
Better support, better outcomes
For employers, the platform is positioned as a complement to existing Employee Assistance Programmes. It allows staff to access support privately, without the need for formal disclosure, while offering businesses anonymised insight into common pressure points across teams.
Early interest has been strong, with hundreds joining a waiting list and £15,000 secured in early investment. The project has also engaged with organisations including the National Autistic Society and the University of the West of England’s Launch Space programme.
For businesses, the pitch is straightforward: better support leads to better outcomes. By addressing issues before they escalate into absence or resignation, AutiPocket aims to help organisations retain skilled staff and reduce the hidden costs associated with workplace burnout.
The platform launched on 1 April and is available via app stores and at autipocket.com.
