‘Parenting the Internet’ app: a web guardian for protecting neurodiverse users online

The rising prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) necessitates tailored digital interventions for safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of affected individuals. This paper presents the development and evaluation of a parental control application, ‘Parenting the Internet’ (PTI), designed specifically for individuals with ASD and ADHD. By conducting a comparative analysis of internet usage and safety concerns between neurodiverse and neurotypical participants through detailed questionnaires, the study identifies the unique challenges faced by these groups. Key findings include preferences for specific app features, the importance of a user-friendly interface, and robust security measures. The evaluation highlights strengths in customisation, usability, and scalability while identifying areas for improvement such as educational content expansion and enhanced automation. This research contributes to the development of inclusive digital safety solutions tailored to the needs of neurodiverse users, with implications for broader applications.