Primary research:
One participant said, “I do wish there was a way to make it easier for myself, without having to embarrass myself by asking the staff for help. i still want to be independent.” Another described independence as “having the support to be able to develop and grow in independence.”
Secondary research:
Bhattacharya et al. and Thompson-Hodgetts both support the idea that independence is connected to choice, control and self-determination, and that accepting support does not automatically make someone less independent.
Existing support:
Airports already offer staff assistance, Sunflower schemes and other accessibility services.
Where it still breaks down:
The support may exist, but someone may not want to publicly ask for it, explain themselves or surrender control to another person.
Problem revealed:
How can a traveller with ASD access support privately and on their own terms, without feeling that they are giving up their independence?
Primary research:
One participant said, “I need everything to be prepared and organised and when the structure is changed such as change in location of the boarding area, I find it very stressful.” Others described difficulty when delays changed their timeline.
Secondary research:
My Want & Need research showed that support needs can be situational and fluctuating, while predictability is particularly important.
Existing precedent:
Gold Coast Airport provides Social Stories, maps and a 360° airport familiarisation experience.
Where it still breaks down:
These tools can prepare someone for what is supposed to happen, but they cannot predict the queue, delay, gate change, closure or unexpected procedure that happens on the actual day.