Navigating autism in public transport: from post-interventions to early participatory planning

Purpose and goal:

This interdisciplinary research aims to offer new perspectives on how integrating the participation of the autism community in public transport planning processes can help initiate and improve the social participation of individuals with ASD in society. Expected results and effects:

1.The project adopts a wholly innovative approach to planning processes, aiming to enhance the inclusion and participation of the target group in society.

2. The result is deemed to strengthen the current policies around the built environment in relation to individuals with ASD.

3. It raises awareness about autism among professionals in the field, decision-makers, and the general public, particularly as a form of diversity rather than “disorder”.

4. It advocates a shift from subsequent reinvestment and retrofitting of public transport infrastructure to participatory planning. Approach and implementation:

Given the interdisciplinary nature of this research inquiry, a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection methods will be employed. The results will be incorporated into spatial analysis processes, which serves a dual purpose: firstly, it enables the active involvement of the target group throughout the research process, and secondly, it provides an accessible platform for disseminating the results to the wider public.