After exploring Tourism and Neurodiversity: A Problematisation and Research Agenda (2023), I wanted to continue building my understanding of the relationship between travel and neurodiversity. While the previous paper highlighted that this area remains significantly under-researched, I wanted to explore the research that currently exists and the common themes already identified.

I chose this paper because it is a systematic literature review, meaning the authors analysed a wide range of existing studies rather than presenting findings from a single research project. I felt this would provide a broader overview of the current state of knowledge and help identify recurring barriers, opportunities and gaps within autism and tourism research.

Initial Reflections

One of the first things that stood out to me was how limited the existing body of research is. Although awareness of neurodiversity has increased considerably in recent years, the review suggests that relatively few studies have explored the experiences of autistic individuals within tourism and travel.

This reinforced something I had already begun to notice through my previous reading. Neurodiversity is becoming increasingly recognised across education, employment and healthcare, yet tourism appears to be developing much more slowly.

The paper also highlighted that many existing studies focus on children and family holidays rather than independent travel or autistic adults. This immediately made me wonder whether there is an opportunity to explore independence, navigation and solo travel in greater depth.

Emerging Themes

Travel environments present multiple barriers.

Throughout the review, a recurring theme was that travel often involves environments that can be difficult for autistic individuals to navigate.

Examples included:

• crowded environments
• unfamiliar routines
• sensory overload
• long waiting times
• unpredictable situations
• communication barriers
• complex navigation
• lack of clear information

Reading these examples made me realise that many of these challenges are not unique to one stage of travelling, but can occur throughout the entire journey, from planning a trip to returning home. Families often adapt instead of the tourism industry.

Another interesting point was that many families described changing their own behaviours to make travel possible. Rather than tourism providers adapting their services, parents often bear the responsibility for extensive planning, preparation, and risk management before travelling.

This made me question whether inclusive tourism currently relies too heavily on individuals adapting themselves rather than organisations designing experiences that are naturally more accessible.

Connections to My Project

This paper was built naturally upon the research I had already completed.

Nancy Doyle's discussion of the social model remained highly relevant, as many of the barriers identified throughout the review appeared to stem from environments rather than from neurological differences alone.

Patrick Dwyer's emphasis on participation also became increasingly important. The review highlights the need for future research to involve autistic individuals directly, ensuring that lived experiences help shape future tourism services.

Devon Price's discussion surrounding masking also returned to my thinking. I began to wonder how much additional emotional and cognitive effort may be required for autistic individuals to navigate unfamiliar travel environments successfully.

Finally, this paper strongly supported the findings presented in Tourism and Neurodiversity: A Problematisation and Research Agenda by demonstrating that the field remains emerging, with significant knowledge gaps.

Key Terminology

• Inclusive Tourism – Tourism that aims to ensure travel experiences are accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their individual needs or abilities.
• Sensory Overload – A state in which environmental stimuli such as noise, light, crowds or movement become overwhelming and difficult to process.

Emerging Questions

• Why does so much of the current research focus on children rather than autistic adults?
• Which stage of travelling creates the greatest barriers: planning, transport, accommodation or navigation?
• How might better preparation improve confidence and independence?
• Could design reduce uncertainty before a journey even begins?
• What role could graphic design play in creating more inclusive travel experiences?