Empowering Autistic Travel: Report Launch
Published on 27 March 2025
We are really excited to launch our Empowering Autistic Travel Research Report. This is the result of a year of listening to autistic people and their families describing their travel experiences through surveys and interviews, and some valuable discussions with transport professionals.
Our project kicked off in April 2024, generously funded by the Motability Foundation. We explored the barriers to travel for autistic people in the UK, the impacts they have, and potential solutions. We focussed mainly on trains, buses and taxis/ rideshares as, (besides walking and car journeys), autistic people told us these are their most common and difficult-to-use modes of transport.
We had a staggering 4,052 responses to our surveys combined, interviewed 20 autistic people and parents/carers, and had hugely insightful conversations with 22 transport professionals (autistic and not) representing a range of roles and providers. This has given us an in-depth understanding of common issues, and how these impact everyday life.
We were unsurprised but saddened to hear of the many barriers autistic people face. Uncertainty, difficult sensory environments, inaccessible information, and a lack of understanding and empathy from others all takes its toll, and heavily limits opportunities and quality of life.
“I do what I need to do to get by, but that comes at a big cost then because I get home and then I'm absolutely exhausted.”
Our insight has also led to ideas for change which are feasible, realistic and backed by evidence. We hope that our recommendations for the transport industry and the general public will be adopted, in order to create a society that works for autistic people. In addition, we want autistic people and families to benefit from the tips and strategies captured in our research.
You can download our Research Report or a shorter Research Overview on our Empowering Autistic Travel page.
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.”
Chelsea Fleming, Innovation Manager at the Motability Foundation said: “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.”
We will be adding further helpful resources to the website in the coming months including guides, research articles and more.
We would like to extend an enormous thank you to everyone who took part in this project, particularly our co-design group who played an important role in shaping the project.
If you would like any further information please email the National Autistic Society’s Evidence and Research team at research@nas.org.uk.
#EmpowerAutisticTravel
Further information
- Find out more about our research work
- Find out more about our strategy and vision
- Read our advice and guidance on transport
- Find out more about the Motability Foundation