The NYC Daily Post interviewed Andy Cresswell about his app Thruday, assistive technology for Autistics, ADHDers and other neurodivergent people.
In his interview, Andy Cresswell discusses his free routine building and daily planning assistive app for neurodivergent people and his goal to change the way neurodivergent people manage their days and build lasting habits all while tracking and communicating moods with assistants.
Learn more about Andy’s company at Thruday.com and find him on LinkedIn.
Q: What is Thruday? And can you tell us what the name means?
Thruday is an AI-powered visual planning and emotional communication app designed for Autistic people, ADHDeres and other neurodivergent people, aimed at reducing mood swings and forgetfulness. The name ‘Thruday’ combines ‘Thru’ (meaning ‘through’) with ‘day,’ symbolizing our commitment to helping neurodivergent people navigate their day with less stress and more confidence, leveraging the best of digital health technology.
Q: How does Thruday help neurodivergent people?
Thruday is built on a foundation of research and real-life neurodivergent experiences, recognizing that structured visual routines significantly enhance productivity, reduce meltdowns and improve mood. By offering real-time notifications, visual planning tools, mood tracking and communication and educational resources, Thruday aims to create a supportive ecosystem for neurodivergent success beyond traditional models.
Q: Can Thruday help neurotypical people?
Absolutely! While Thruday is tailored for neurodivergent needs, its design principles—clarity, simplicity and accountability—benefit anyone seeking to organize their life better. Features like mood tracking might be specifically designed for neurodivergent users, but everyone can benefit from reminders and structured planning to stay on track.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for this app? And why?
My inspiration stems from personal and observed experiences within a system that often fails neurodivergent people. After witnessing the struggles faced by myself and my sister, I was driven to create a solution not just for us, but for the wider community hidden behind stigma, using technology as a force for positive change.”
Q: What motivated you to develop this app?
Having faced and overcome systemic failures, homelessness and educational barriers, my journey from self-teaching in a library to becoming a multifaceted technology developer embodies the drive behind Thruday. This app is a product of refusing to settle, a testament to striving for excellence, and a tool to empower the neurodivergent community with the support I wish had been accessible to me.
Q: What continues to motivate you?
As neurodiversity gains recognition, the need for comprehensive support tools and educated allies becomes increasingly apparent. The landscape is cluttered with unaccredited ‘coaches’ and limited resources, making tools like Thruday crucial for providing tangible support and encouraging success within the neurodivergent community.
Q: What do you mean by “unaccredited coaches?”
Accredited by definition can only be obtained by attending a centralized educational institution; This is usually a university — the neurodiversity movement is unregulated and decentralized. The impact of this means that anyone can wake up tomorrow with zero training at all and decide they want to do good in the world.
A big part of my social presence recently has been around the decentralized neurodivergent environment. There are no centralized bodies overlooking activities, coaching courses are popping up left right and center while the neurodivergent community is left wondering who’s authentic? Who isn’t authentic? What does this new abbreviation mean? Did this person attend a university? Do they have lived-experience? Can they relate to what I am experiencing?
These are all important, valid questions that need to be recognized.
I’ll likely have some backlash on this — but every industry has cowboys — but when there are unregulated niches and exploding trends around neurodivergent challenges, there is naturally more of them, and right now, our community is full of them.
I have immense respect for any professional who has invested immense passion, time and dedication into their careers, but it’s not okay to wake up one day with a background in marketing and decide to start a coaching business and claim to know it all.
What qualifies you? A certification? One that was provided by an incorporated business for financial gain? There is no oversight by any centralised body and it’s a huge problem.
While we cannot pretend to be a centralised body, we can create ways to start holding coaches accountable while providing a bridge between authentic support and accessible technology.
Q: How does this app compare to competitor apps?
Thruday’s current independence from investor influences allows us to prioritize the neurodivergent community genuinely. This freedom enables us to implement features based directly on community feedback, ensuring that Thruday remains a dynamic, user-focused platform rather than just an app.
Q: What is your favorite feature of Thruday?
Everything! I may be biased but, it’s all designed to help keep the neurodivergent mind on track.
Q: What kind of feedback have you received from users of the app?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, from uplifting reviews to invitations to present Thruday at specialized schools. Hearing how Thruday positively impacts lives fuels our mission, reinforcing the belief that neurodivergence is not a barrier to achievement given the right tools and support are provided.
Q: How does Thruday blend with your advocacy?
Thruday is more than an app; it’s an extension of my advocacy for the neurodivergent community. Thruday embodies my belief in technology as a catalyst for change, providing practical tools and a supportive community for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
Q: What is the future of Thruday and your work in general?
My work’s future, and thus Thruday’s trajectory, is intertwined with managing my conditions and continuing to innovate. We’re on the brink of expanding Thruday into a comprehensive platform, offering knowledge, tools and support, signaling a new era for neurodivergent empowerment.
Edited by: Kester Kafeero
