Evaluating the effectiveness of an autism-specific public transport app for individuals on the autism spectrum: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Autism is characterised by differences in social skills, limited communication abilities and repetitive behaviour, which often result in increased reliance on other people. Transportation is but one task that is commonly burdened on family members. Public transport is an inexpensive and widely available form of travel which facilitates independence. However, it presents unique challenges for individuals on the spectrum, as it requires complex skills including, but not limited to, understanding abstract information (e.g., maps, service schedules, etc.), problem-solving unexpected situations and timely management of transfers. As such, most individuals on the autism spectrum do not use public transport and have never considered using it. Here we evaluate the effectiveness of an autism-specific public transport app, OrienTrip, with autistic individuals and allied health professionals. METHODS: A total of 16 individuals on the autism spectrum (eight male and eight female participants) and 22 allied health professionals (19 females and three male participants) were recruited for the pilot study. RESULTS: We found that OrienTrip is effective in facilitating public transport use for autistic individuals. Individuals on the autism spectrum expressed their satisfaction with the app and agreed that it makes public transport easy to use. Similarly, allied health professionals also indicated that OrienTrip is helpful in assisting autistic individuals use public transport safely. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that OrienTrip can be used to facilitate independent travel for individuals on the autism spectrum using public transport. This can improve community participation opportunities for autistic individuals, including enhanced education, employment and social outcomes.Implications for rehabilitationIndividuals on the autism spectrum heavily rely on other people, namely family members, for their transportation needs.Public transport is an inexpensive and widely available form of travel which facilitates independence; however, it presents unique challenges for autistic individuals, as such, most individuals do not use it or consider using it.In this research, we have developed and evaluated one of the first autism-specific public transport mobile apps that facilitates independent public transport use.This tool can improve community participation opportunities for autistic individuals, including enhanced education, employment and social outcomes.

Public transport planning tool for users on the autism spectrum: from concept to prototype.

PURPOSE: This research explored the challenges of public transport use for individuals on the autism spectrum. It, subsequently, proposed a mobile application solution, coproduced by individuals on the autism spectrum, to facilitate public transport use. METHODS: We, first, conducted a review of the literature to highlight the challenges people on the autism spectrum face when utilizing public transport. We, then, designed a list of mobile application functionalities that address the identified problems. To validate these functionalities, 27 young autistic adults and 19 families of autistic individuals were employed. Finally, based on the findings, we designed a mobile application that helps facilitate public transport use for those on the autism spectrum. RESULTS: We found that the most prevalent concerns, in public transport use, amongst autistic individuals and their families are safety and spatial awareness. Specific problems include finding one's way to the bus stop, boarding the correct service and disembarking at the correct stop. Interestingly, anxiety about unexpected events was also a barrier. Sensory sensitivity, similarly, was found to be an obstacle. CONCLUSIONS: This study defined the challenges of public transport use for autistic individuals and proposed a technological solution. The findings can also inform innovators, public transport providers and policymakers to improve public transport accessibility.Implications for rehabilitationPeople on the autism spectrum heavily rely on other individuals, namely family and friends, for their transportation needs. This dependence results in immobility for the autistic individuals and significant time and economical sacrifice for the person responsible for the transportation.Public transport, a cheap and widely available form of transportation, has not yet been clearly studied with individuals on the autism spectrum.We clearly define the challenges of using public transport and put forward a trip planner mobile application, coproduced by autistic individuals, that facilitate it.In the long term, this enhanced travel independence can lead to greater education and employment opportunities and an overall improved quality of life.