As I move into Phase 2, I need to begin thinking about how I can collect my own primary research. Up until now, my understanding has come mainly from academic literature, but I now want to start hearing directly from people with lived experience.

At the moment, I have identified several possible approaches.

Autistic Adults

I know two autistic adults who may be willing to share their experiences of independent travel. Interviews would provide much richer insights than a questionnaire, allowing me to explore topics such as independence, confidence and personal growth.

Psychologist

I also know a local psychologist who works with autistic adults. It would be interesting to interview her to gain a professional perspective on independence, travel and the barriers autistic adults may experience.

Travel Industry

Although I could contact travel companies or hostels, I am unsure how likely they would be to respond. This may be worth exploring later if my project develops in this direction.

Travel Blogs

Another possibility would be to analyse travel blogs, YouTube videos, or online stories written by autistic adults. This would allow me to explore lived experiences even if participant recruitment proves difficult.

Current Thoughts

At this stage, I think a combination of interviews with autistic adults, an interview with a psychologist, and analysis of travel blogs would provide the most valuable insights. These methods allow me to compare academic research with real experiences and help shape the direction of my project.