In 2024-25, the National Autistic Society’s Evidence and Research team carried out a project, generously funded by the Motability Foundation, exploring barriers and solutions to travel for autistic people. In this article, we discuss some of the ways we ensured autistic people were supported to participate. 

Our aim

Our brief was to carry out ‘user research’ on the topic of disability and transport, with a particular focus on quantitative techniques. We needed to reach conclusions which were clearly and transparently autistic-led. 

Research design and accommodations

Our research included surveys, interviews, and workshops. We also recruited a co-design group early on in the project to guide the research process, and inform the work with their lived experiences and perspectives. At each stage we carefully considered how we might support autistic people to participate. Below we share some ways we approached this:

Surveys

• We clearly outlined the purpose of each survey, and how long it might take to complete.
• We provided a contact name and email address for any queries, and gave the option of working through the survey with anyone unable to do this independently or access the survey online. (Later, we prioritised some people who struggled with online surveys to invite for interview.)
• We used a combination of closed and open questions. We also provided space for respondents to add any additional information (free text) with many multiple choice / Likert scale questions. We wanted to ensure respondents could answer some questions freely, but did not want to cause fatigue. 
• We used clear, plain language, and tried to make scale options unambiguous. 
• We included a ‘save and continue later’ feature to accommodate breaks, or extended thinking time if needed.

Interviews

• We provided an information sheet clearly outlining the purpose of the interviews, and what to expect, including names and photos of our interviewers. 
• We offered to share example questions in advance to help people prepare and know what to expect.
• We asked interviewees about their communication preferences and needs, and adapted to these, such as using just audio or the chat function within a video call. 
• We accommodated carers attending where needed.
• We offered a ‘run through’ of Teams for anyone less familiar with it. 
• We offered breaks, and supported interviewees to self-regulate or ‘stim’ in interviews. 
• We ensured interviewees could add extra information or clarifications via email after the session.
• We supported interviewees to process and respond to questions in their own time without pressure or interruption, and jump between / back to topics as needed.

Focus groups / workshops (with transport professionals, some of whom were autistic)

• Like the interview stage, we provided an information sheet outlining the context, purpose and format in advance. 
• We also shared a brief agenda with timings.
• As above, we asked attendees how we could support their communication preferences and wider participation (for example, one attendee requested an introductory meeting ahead of the group workshop).
• We structured introductions, to reduce anxiety around a commonly challenging part of a meeting to navigate. 
• We scheduled breaks. 
• We used slides (and the chat function) as visual prompts and reminders of discussion topics/questions.