Interview (Autistic Adult - Travel experience)
Participant: Female, 18–24
What does independence mean to you?
“Making decisions.”
This is a very direct definition of independence. For this participant, independence appears to be closely connected to having control over choices, rather than necessarily doing everything alone.
This is useful because it reinforces the idea that accessible travel should support autistic adults in making their own decisions throughout the journey.
Can you tell me about an international trip you have taken? Were there any parts of planning or travelling that you found particularly difficult?
“Staying in a hotel, I need my own space.”
This introduces personal space and accommodation as an important part of travel accessibility.
It shows that barriers do not only happen during the airport journey. Having a private and predictable space at the destination may also be important for regulation and recovery.