Hopper’s Origin Story
A staggering 34% of autistic people have avoided medical treatment, even for serious or life-threatening conditions, because of a previous bad experience with healthcare. Combine that with the fact that many neurodivergent adults also have additional medical conditions. While the link between neurodivergence and comorbidities is still being explored, we know that 51% (though possibly more, due to underdiagnosis) of people with autism and ADHD are more likely to experience chronic pain due to links between hypermobility and neurodivergence. It’s also estimated that 36% of people with Tourette’s also have an autoimmune disorder.
With so many neurodivergent people experiencing chronic pain and other underlying conditions—and yet so many of us avoiding treatment for those conditions—there is a critical need for healthcare designed specifically for these challenges.
The story of Hopper was born from this exact need. Hopper’s founder, Katya Siddall-Cipolla, has the unique lived experience of both sides: as a former VP at a Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan, and as an autistic and ADHD person with multiple chronic health conditions. At BCBS, Katya worked to expand coverage for gender-affirming procedures and implemented tools that empowered members to make informed cost decisions about their own care. While building these programs, Katya's determination to bridge the gap between conventional healthcare and neurodivergent needs began to crystallize.
Jonathan Simon, Hopper Co-founder, connected with Katya over their shared desire to improve healthcare for the neurodivergent community. Jonathan is also neurodivergent and a member of a neurodivergent family, an experience which led him to become Chief Technology Officer at Brightline Health. It was there that he helped to build the first nationwide pediatric behavioral health offering during a pediatric mental health crisis. Jonathan and Katya decided to team up to build Hopper Health together.
With an ambitious mission to help reduce the amount of energy and effort needed to get good care, Hopper is here to support your whole self every step of the way through your journey to better health. Our online clinics focus on virtual care which embraces accessibility and convenience, addressing the sensory sensitivities that can overwhelm traditional medical settings.
Through our innovative approach, Hopper Health is breathing new life into healthcare for neurodivergent adults. Hopper Health is not only improving physical well-being but also fostering a safer, more inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to thrive. This is not just healthcare; it's a movement towards acceptance, empowerment, and a brighter future for all.
Here’s what we believe, and what you can expect from us:
Radical Transparency
At Hopper Health, we embrace radical transparency as a cornerstone of our approach. We openly share our journey, both our successes and challenges, with our team and members. We believe that transparency fosters trust and empowers everyone involved in reshaping healthcare for neurodivergent individuals. Radical transparency extends to our healthcare model, too: We’ll always provide clear and honest information about treatment options, outcomes, and potential risks. Keeping our members informed and involved in their healthcare decisions ensures a collaborative and trustworthy relationship between members and providers.
Say What You Mean
Direct and clear communication is essential for us at Hopper Health. We value open and respectful conversations that focus on the impact of situations rather than personalities. By practicing direct communication, we create an environment where feedback and discussions are rooted in empathy, understanding, and collaboration. This approach allows us to address issues effectively and maintain a supportive atmosphere for our team and members. Our goal is to empower individuals to express their needs, concerns, and preferences, enabling us to create personalized care plans that truly address their unique requirements.
Heroics Aren't Healthy
At Hopper Health, we prioritize a culture of support and collaboration, rather than simply believing one provider is the all-knowing hero of healthcare. We value the expertise of each team member and understand that collectively addressing challenges leads to sustainable solutions. By addressing healthcare in a collaborative approach, we have created a healthcare environment that prioritizes well-being over heroic efforts. By taking this approach, we promote well-being and reduce the need for extreme measures, aligning with our belief that true healthcare success lies in comprehensive and collaborative care.
Validating Lived Experiences
Hopper Health places a strong emphasis on validating lived experiences of neurodivergent people. We recognize that you are the true expert when it comes to your own body, life, and experiences. By learning from the diverse range of lived experiences within our community, we continuously refine our practices and offerings. This commitment ensures that our healthcare solutions are relevant, responsive, and continually improved based on the insights we gain from our members' experiences. Our patient-centered approach ensures that our care plans are tailored to their unique circumstances, promoting better health outcomes and fostering a sense of empowerment.
When we say that we are committed to revolutionizing healthcare for neurodivergent adults, we mean it. We know that people like us have been overlooked, disregarded and treated unfairly by traditional healthcare experiences and we are committed to earning your trust. One of the many ways we do this is through our upcoming monthly support groups, available to anyone who identifies as neurodivergent (whether or not you choose to be a Hopper member). We tackle topics that are important to you such as managing and preventing burnout, how to self advocate at work, how to manage your chronic pain and so much more. If this sounds like it would be helpful for you or someone you love, we can’t wait to connect and learn more about how we can help you with your healthcare journey.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763420306370