Navigating autism in public transport: from post-interventions to early participatory planning
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 782 398 |
| Project duration | September 2023 - August 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Innovations for sustainable mobility |
| Call | Innovations for sustainable mobility - For a climate-neutral future - spring 2023 |
Important results from the project
Our goal was to deepen understanding of the needs expressed by autistic individuals regarding public transport. Focusing on planning processes, we aimed to develop tools and methods that facilitate early participation. The project sought to create a planning toolbox to address accessibility proactively, avoiding the late identification of issues that often necessitates costly or ineffective retrofitting. This approach frames disability as an integral aspect of natural diversity within society.
Expected long term effects
The project provides knowledge, methods, and tools to support practical collaboration between public transport authorities and organizations in addressing the needs of the autistic community. The project calls for a neuro-aware approach to the built environment, including transport infrastructure, and emphasizes the early participation of the neurodivergent community in planning processes, broadening the notion of accessibility beyond physical aspects to include cognitive dimensions.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out in collaboration between RISE(coordinator), Begripsam, Mid Sweden University, Lund University, and quary. Grounded in the lived experiences of autistic individuals, we collaborated with diverse stakeholders and relevant authorities. Effective task division and collaboration around shared topics have enabled the project to follow its original plan and deliver the promised outcomes, considered pioneering in many aspects, both in academia and practice.