Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About AutismTrack™

This page contains answers to some frequently asked questions about AutismTrack™. Many questions related to specific AutismTrack™ features are also answered by the "How To" guide in our tutorials section.

Q: What is AutismTrack™?
A: AutismTrack™ is a portable, customizable data tracking tool designed for use by caregivers of those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Parents can track information related to any interventions (e.g., medicines, supplements, diets, therapies) and behaviors (e.g., eye contact, aggression, sleep, perseverative behavior) that they'd like. This information is stored in a secure online database, and can be reviewed to help parents in their search for patterns and trends. AutismTrack™ runs on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

Q: What are the benefits of entering and reviewing information?
A: Some parents of those with ASD experiment with different treatments, medicines, supplements, and diets, hoping to find something that helps their loved one. Because of its portable and easy-to-use nature, AutismTrack™ helps parents to monitor and analyze happenings in their home.

Every day, interventions are tracked using simple checkboxes (e.g., Speech Therapy occurred today), and behaviors are rated using simple "sliders" (e.g., Eye Contact was 75% of full desirability). It takes only seconds, and anything can be tracked using our intuitive, flexible interface.

Then, daily log screens allow caregivers to review "snapshots" of a given day's interventions and behaviors (e.g., to answer the question, "What occurred on a particular day?"). Trend analysis screens allow caregivers to graph behaviors and track compliance over any period of time (e.g., to help answer questions like: "What seems to be working in my home?", "What trends seem to be occurring in the symptoms and behaviors of my loved one with ASD?", and "When a certain behavior was strong (or weak), how often was a given intervention administered during this time?").

Caregivers can also choose to share this information with their personal contacts, by emailing it to family members and professionals.

Q: Will AutismTrack™ help me to find a "cure", or to "recover" someone with ASD?
A: AutismTrack™ is designed to help parents and caregivers harness the power of information. It's easy to enter data, and with the power of information literally and figuratively in their hands, parents can get a better grasp of any patterns and trends in behavior that seem to be occurring in their loved one with ASD. Every individual with ASD is different; it is our hope that AutismTrack™ can help capture information that leads to progress and improvement in these diverse individuals.

Q: On which devices does AutismTrack™ run?
A: AutismTrack™ is designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and also runs on the iPad in "compatibility mode". The portability of these devices allows you to track information wherever and whenever you'd like.

Q: How long does it take to enter information? How often should I do it?
A: It takes only a few minutes to enter information for a given day. The more often you track results, the more information you'll have, which may help clarify patterns and trends. You can track information from anywhere with an Internet connection! Interventions are recorded using checkboxes, and behaviors are rated using simple "sliders". Click here to see screenshots.

Q: Do I need an Internet connection to run AutismTrack™?
A: Yes. Because the information you enter is stored on a server, you need to be connected to the Internet to use AutismTrack™. You may connect over a cellular network or Wi-Fi node.

Q: What happens to the information I enter using AutismTrack™?
A: Your information is stored within a secure, password-protected server. In the future, HandHold Adaptive® hopes that AutismTrack™ can help improve autism research, as data aggregated from households may be provided to researchers looking to better understand causes and treatment options. By signing up for AutismTrack™ users opt-in to a registration agreement that allows HandHold Adaptive® to one day share aggregate information with researchers. The information you enter using AutismTrack™ may one day play an important role in learning more about autism!

Q: How can I share reports with doctors, therapists, friends, and family?
A: The "Review" tab allows all users to email Daily Logs and Trend Analysis Reports (.PDF format). You may also export all of your data in .CSV format (compatible with Microsoft Excel).

Q: Is my password shared with anyone?
A: No.

Q: What happens if I lose my iPhone, iPad and/or iPod Touch?
A: Don't worry, your information is safe! The data can be recovered by logging in to our password-protected server from any iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.

Q: Does AutismTrack™ work for other disabilities and diagnoses besides ASD?
A: AutismTrack™ is designed especially to monitor the progress of an individual with ASD; our libraries include large lists of treatments, medicines, diets, supplements, behaviors, and symptoms commonly associated with ASD. Custom interventions and behaviors may be added and tracked, and so it may be possible to track other conditions, but the screens and other features have been optimized with ASD in mind.

Q: How much does AutismTrack™ cost?
A: AutismTrack™ is available for a one-time charge of $49.99 on the iTunes App Store. Visit our HOW TO ORDER page to learn more.

The software is purchased directly from your personal computer, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad -- no need to visit a retail store

To purchase AutismTrack™ using your device, select the "App Store" icon and search for "AutismTrack™". The app can be downloaded wirelessly to your device, and billed to your iTunes account.

You can also purchase AutismTrack™ from your personal computer, and transfer the software to your compatible Apple device (by "syncing" the device to iTunes). First, you'll need to install iTunes, which is a free download from Apple. After installing the program, search for "AutismTrack™" within iTunes, or click here to access the AutismTrack™ purchase page.

Q: I don't have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
How do I get one? How much do they cost?
A: Apple sells the iPod Touch ($199 and up), the iPhone ($99 and up, not including monthly service charges), and the iPad ($499 and up, not including optional servie charges) directly from their website. 8GB models are sufficient to run most applications, including AutismTrack™.

The iPod Touch allows users to store photos, play music, browse the Internet, access email, and download apps. The iPod Touch does not currently allow users to place phone calls. The iPod Touch accesses the Internet via Wi-Fi only.

The iPhone can also be purchased from a variety of online and traditional retail outlets (including Wal-Mart). The iPhone can access the Internet via cellular connection, or a Wi-Fi node. The price of the iPhone and its monthly service charges depend on the nature of the phone and data plan selected.

The iPad has a larger screen size than the iPhone or iPod Touch; AutismTrack™ can be stretched to fit this larger screen in "compatibility mode". The iPad accesses the Internet via 3G connection (requires an additional monthly service fee), or via Wi-Fi.

Apple's website also offers $50 iTunes Gift Cards that may subsequently be used to download AutismTrack™.

Q: How do I update AutismTrack™?
A: Periodically, HandHold Adaptive® may release updates to improve AutismTrack™ and expand its content. There are two ways to update your software. You can update directly through your device, by selecting the "App Store" icon, and then tapping the "Updates" tab in the bottom-right. You can also update your apps through iTunes, and then sync your device to your computer. To do this, open up iTunes, select "Applications" in the left-hand column, and then select "Check for Updates" in the lower-right.

Q: I think this product has potential. To whom should I address my questions?
A: Please don't hesitate to email AutismTrack@HandHoldAdaptive.com. HandHold Adaptive® was founded by the parents of a boy with autism. We stand behind our products and pride ourselves on strong customer service. We'll respond to your email as quickly as possible.