Viewpoints of adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders on public transport

Authors

Marita Falkmer
Tania Barnett
Chiara Horlin
Olov Falkmer
Jessica Siljehav
Sofi Fristedt
Hoe C. Lee
Derserri Y. Chee
Anders Wretstrand
Torbjörn Falkmer

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2015

Subject Area

mode - bus, mode - rail, mode - tram/light rail, mode - car, place - australasia, ridership - mode choice, ridership - attitudes

Keywords

Asperger’s syndrome, Bus, Train, Community mobility, Q methodology, Tram

Abstract

Background

Public transport is low cost, allows for independence, and facilitates engagement and participation for non-drivers. However, the viewpoints of individuals with cognitive disabilities are rarely considered. In Australia, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is approximately 1% and increasing. Many individuals with ASD do not possess a driver’s licence, indicating that access to public transport is crucial for their independence. However, at present, there is no research on the opinions of adults with ASD on public transport.

Aim

To identify the viewpoints of adults with ASD regarding the barriers and facilitators of public transport usage and their transportation preferences, and to contrast these against the viewpoints of neurotypical adults.

Methods

Q method was used to identify the viewpoints of both participant groups on public transport. Participants consisted of 55 adults with a diagnosis of ASD and a contrast group of 57 neurotypical adults. Both groups completed a Q sort task which took place in either Perth or Melbourne, Australia.

Results

The most prominent viewpoint indicated that both groups preferred to use public transport over driving and believed that it supported their independence. This viewpoint also indicated that both groups preferred to use electronic ticketing when using public transport. Interestingly, the second most prominent viewpoint indicated that both groups preferred to drive themselves by private car rather than use public transport.

Discussion

It appears that the viewpoints of adults with and without ASD regarding public transportation were largely similar. However, questions arose about whether the preference for public transport in the ASD group may be more a result of difficulties obtaining a driving licence than a deliberate choice. The only barrier specified by adults with ASD related to crowding on public transport. Safety and convenience in relation to location and timing of services were barriers reported by neurotypical adults.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Transportation Research Part A Home Page:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

Recommended Citation

Falkmer, M., Barnett, T., Horlin, C., Falkmer, O., Siljehav, J., Fristedt, S., Lee, H.C., Chee D.Y., Wretstrand, A., & Falkmer, T. (2015). Viewpoints of adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders on public transport. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Vol. 80, pp. 163–183.