So much is great about this app
Strokes Bad NT Parents’ Egos
Writing this as an autistic adult female. First of all, this app should be centered on the child’s needs- not on congratulating the parents on “dealing with” an autistic child that they chose to give birth to / take care of. Second: when prompted for a goal for the child, the suggested recommendation is “have them say ‘I love you’ to mom”. What if the child doesn’t want to do that? What then? Would you recommend punishment simply because they don’t say the exact things you want them to? This app is harmful and should be removed from the App Store; or at the very least updated with consultation from autism experts who are NOT involved in Autism Speaks.
Response from developer
Hi there, I want to respond clearly to your review. Guiding Growth does not and will never recommend punishment. Suggesting otherwise is false and misleading. The app is designed to help parents support their children in positive and constructive ways. This app is made for parents. Its purpose is to give them tools to keep track of health, routines, and developmental goals so they can better support their kids. It is not about forcing children into specific behaviors, and it is certainly not about framing them as a burden. I do understand your concern about the example goal you mentioned. I can see how the wording there could be misunderstood, and I will be revising it so that it respects the many ways children express connection and affection. Finally, I want to be absolutely clear that Guiding Growth has no association with Autism Speaks. This is an independent project built to help families in a supportive way. I respect that you feel strongly, but I disagree with your statement that the app is harmful or should be removed. My intent has always been to create something that helps families, not hurts them.
