Bringing Neuroscience to Child Care: How Path is Reinforcing Optimal Child Development

When two lifelong friends, Dr. Mikael Larsen, D.C., M.Sc, and Dr. Cordell Miller D.C., M.Sc, began discussing the challenges they encountered within their healthcare practices, the discussion often kept circling back to a troubling pattern. While being in the child development sphere, they frequently met families who only discovered developmental issues after it became much harder to address.  

“Every time we’d sit down with parents, we’d go through their child’s history and realize there had been so many red flags early in life that were just overlooked,” Dr. Larsen recalls. “By the time there was a big red flag, the child was already struggling.”  

This realization sparked the creation of Path, a child development tracking app designed to be the guidepost for parents to detect and address developmental delays as early as possible.  

“Early detection changes outcomes,” Dr. Miller explains. “If parents can identify issues within the first few months or years, the brain’s neuroplasticity allows for remarkable improvements. Waiting until school age often means more difficulty getting back on track.”  

The importance of Path’s mission is underscored by the sobering statistics pertaining to child development delays. According to the CDC, one in six children in the US has some form of developmental delay, and most cases are not identified until the early school years. “That’s the problem we’re trying to solve,” Dr. Miller emphasizes. “We want to shift the timeline so parents notice these signs in real time as they appear. Not when a teacher brings it up in the first grade.” 

The team began working on Path in late 2023 with one actionable goal: to create an accessible and comprehensive tool that enables parents to detect developmental delays and intervene early. The aim is rooted in empowering parents with information, with effective progress tracking, and other actionable steps whenever something within their development seems off.  

Path officially launched its first version in 2024, and the app has been on an upward trajectory ever since, with new features and tools, including milestone tracking, daily activities, and direct access to a growing network of providers. 

The app caters to children aged between 0-5, a period the founders consider critical for cognitive and behavioral development. A baby’s brain, in this stage, is reminiscent of a sponge, soaking up the guidance, direction, and intervention necessary for healthy development, and that’s precisely where Path aims to be the beacon of support.  

What sets Path apart from typical milestone trackers is its focus on the small, often overlooked foundational skills that build into major milestones. “Most apps look at big things, the first times they walk, talk, or sit up.” Dr. Larsen says, “ But there are dozens of micro-skills behind those milestones, and if a parent can notice issues with these micro-skills, then they can start working on them much earlier. That’s what we wanted to focus on.”  

While the crux of the app is on detecting development issues, the founders have ensured that Path is for all parents. With free, extensive educational content, including explanations of each developmental stage and practice tips for encouraging growth, the app acts as a touted guide for vigilant parents.  

For those who opt for a subscription, the app assigns over 400 personalized, gamified therapy activities targeted to the child’s current milestones. “The activities are designed to stimulate specific regions of the brain.” Dr. Larsen explains. “Even for children without delays, these activities aim at boosting academic, social, and athletic development. So the app isn’t just for kids who are behind, it’s for every parent that wants to give their child an advantage.” 

If the app detects even subtle deviations from expected progress, it immediately alerts parents and recommends pediatric-approved corrective interventions. At times, if the concerns persist, Path connects users with local providers and specialists through its integrated provider network. 

“We’ve just started reaching out to providers, giving them incentives to get on board and share their services and information on the app,” Dr. Larsen says. “It’s a win-win, parents get quick access to help, and doctors can connect with families who need their expertise.”  

Beyond developmental support, Path also provides a collaborative, family-centered experience, encapsulating the child’s joyful presence within the family. Parents can invite other caregivers, grandparents, or relatives to share access, ensuring everyone involved in the child’s care stays informed.  

The built-in “Memories” feature allows families to add photos whenever a milestone is reached, creating a memorable digital scrapbook. “It’s like a small social network just for your child’s growth,” Dr. Miller states. “Your circle can celebrate each achievement right inside the app.” 

Though still new, the team has ambitious plans, including expanding across more operating systems and age ranges, and establishing global availability. For now, Path remains focused on its core mission: ensuring that every child stays on the right developmental course and, if they begin to stray, equipping parents with the tools and connections needed to guide them back.  

“Our whole goal,” Dr. Miller summarizes, “is to give parents confidence, resources, and support so their children have the best possible start in life.” 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.