Autism-friendly public bus transport: A personal experience-based perspective.

Area of Science:

• Mobility research
• Autism studies
• Transportation accessibility

Background:

• Public transportation is vital for community participation and social connection.
• Many autistic individuals rely on public transit but face usability challenges.
• Limited research exists on specific barriers autistic people encounter on public transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the challenges autistic individuals face using public bus transportation.
• To gather insights for making public transportation more autism-friendly.
• To raise awareness through the lived experiences of autistic travelers.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with 17 autistic individuals.
• Exploration of personal experiences and challenges during bus travel.
• Thematic analysis to identify recurring issues and successful strategies.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: need for predictability, managing sensory stimuli, and clear communication.
• Autistic participants shared coping mechanisms like noise-canceling headphones and real-time tracking apps.
• Identified areas for improvement in public transport services.

Conclusions:

• Transport companies can enhance the bus travel experience for autistic people by addressing predictability, stimuli, and communication.
• Implementing these changes can lead to more inclusive and accessible public transportation.
• Findings provide a foundation for developing autism-friendly transit solutions.