Nearly two-thirds of autistic people experience distressed behaviour or sensory overload when they travel on public transport, according to a new report from the National Autistic Society.
The year-long project, funded by the Motability Foundation, aimed to understand the barriers autistic people face when they travel and make recommendations to make transport services more accessible and autism-friendly.
It found that nearly nine in ten (87%) autistic people experience sensory discomfort or overload on public transport, and over four in five (81%) feel anxious or unsafe outside the home or in public.
Autistic respondents reported that barriers to travel included being anxious about travel even before their journey starts (71%), distressed behaviour or sensory overload while travelling or when reaching their destination (62%), worrying about getting to medical appointments easily and on time (52%) and missing out on accessing hobbies and interests (46%).
The report also highlights the challenges autistic people experience on trains, buses, taxis and rideshares, including feeling anxious or unsafe outside the home or in public (81%), strangers being close or seated beside them (86%), unexpected delays and cancellations (85%), and feeling rushed by others (76%).
Dr Judith Brown, Head of Autism Knowledge and Expertise at the National Autistic Society said: “These findings really highlight the everyday challenges that autistic people face. Thousands of autistic people have told us that independent travel is either hugely problematic, or impossible. With changes to the environment, and improved information, journeys would be more predictable and comfortable.
“With better recognition, understanding and empathy towards autistic people from transport professionals and the general public – journeys will feel far safer. There are some fantastic examples of good practice in transport support available. We need to expand on these and, even more importantly, create societal change in attitudes towards difference. By working together to understand challenges for autistic people, and facilitate positive change, autistic people can make comfortable journeys and improve their quality of life.”
The report includes recommendations for the transport industry and the public to help create a society that works for autistic people, including:
Chelsea Fleming, Innovation Manager at the Motability Foundation added: “We are proud to have grant-funded this research from the National Autistic Society on the challenges autistic people face when making journeys. Importantly this research focuses on the lived experience of autistic people to illustrate the issues they face when travelling and makes recommendations for improvement. User research like this, led by organisations and people with a deep understanding of the issues, is vital to unlocking accessible travel for all.”
