For those without a driver’s license, the ability to independently utilize public transportation is vital to a fulfilling life. However, though many high school programs offer driver’s education, very few teach young people how to navigate the public transportation system.
As a result, the majority of young adults with autism who cannot drive themselves rely on parents to drive them to work, social events, and anywhere else they need to go.
By taking time to offer travel training to young adults on the autism spectrum, you can improve their overall quality of life, giving them more confidence, independence, and freedom.
Why Public Transportation Is Vital To Autistic Adults
When an autistic adult without a license does not know how to use public transportation, they have two remaining options: ask someone to drive them to their destination, or walk. In fact, 68 percent of adults on the autism spectrum ride with parents or friends, and 28 percent walk.
Both of these options are extremely limiting to a young adult. Walking, depending on the time of day and location, can be unsafe or deter them from leaving the house. Relying on others for a ride can make an adult feel more dependent and even childish.
With travel training, those on the autism spectrum gain independence. They are able to broaden their world and feel confident in doing so. For that reason, learning public transportation navigation is an integral step towards adulthood.
Who Can Benefit From Transportation Training
To reap the most benefits from transportation training, there are skills necessary to take full advantage. These are the ability to:
- communicate wants and needs to a stranger
- respond to questions
- request help
- control their emotions, even when something unexpected happens
- cope with sensory challenges
Your young adult needs to feel secure in this new, often unpredictable terrain. They are entering a world of potential cancellations, sudden bad weather, and buses and trains running late. They need to be aware of the risks involved ahead of time, and what to expect, to have the most success.
Tips for Transportation Training
There are ways to prepare your young adult on the autism spectrum so they can feel more confident.
One way to prepare is to help them come up with challenges they may face on their way to their destination, and ways to solve them. This may include reading a train schedule in case they miss a connection, or asking a transit employee for help. Rehearse these scenarios prior to their first outing, or create a social story for them to become familiar with.
Even better than practicing is accompanying them the first couple times, especially to a regular destination like work. Model how you interact with any workers, the police, and other passengers. Show them how you adjust to changes in the plan.
The Gersh Experience Difference
Because most high schools do not prepare their students to navigate public transportation, and they are often not included in IEPs (Individualized Education Plans), this vital skill becomes the parent’s responsibility.
The Gersh Experience residential program helps to bridge the transition from high school to adulthood by teaching key skills for independence. The student apartments are located near public transportation. That is because we know how important it is to teach our students to navigate the public transportation system safely and with confidence.
If you think Gersh Experience would be a fit for your young adult with autism, reach out here.
Resources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/travel-training-for-people-with-autism-5186507
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adequate-transportation-crucial-for-people-with-autism-1118151
https://www.rutgers.edu/news/satisfying-transportation-needs-will-improve-quality-life-adults-autism-spectrum
