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?

Theme 2 — Unpredictability increases support needs

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.

Problem revealed:

How can an autistic traveller retain control and cope when the journey stops matching what they prepared for?

Theme 3 — The airport environment can make self-regulation harder

Primary research:

The strongest quote is: “The sunflower lounges are often still quite open and loud and not tailored to autistic people/sensory needs.”

Secondary research:

My research shows that autistic sensory and support needs are highly individual and that providing an accessibility feature does not automatically create an accessible experience.

Existing precedent:

Changi Airport’s Calm Room offers different zones and sensory environments.

Where it still breaks down:

Even a sophisticated sensory room is still a shared environment. One person’s preferred regulation environment may be uncomfortable for another. That also connects directly with your cinema reflection.

Problem revealed:

How can shared airport accessibility give each autistic traveller greater individual control over their sensory environment?

Theme 4 — Fragmented systems make travel harder

Primary research:

Participants asked for structured information, somewhere to store travel details, and systems that connect different parts of the journey. Several explicitly suggested an app.

Secondary research:

My wider research found that accessible information, intuitive wayfinding and clear communication matter throughout the journey.

Existing support:

Airports and airlines already provide maps, apps, websites, tickets, notifications and assistance information.

Where it still breaks down:

The information can be spread across different systems and organisations, leaving the traveller to piece everything together themselves.

Problem revealed:

How can travel information and support feel more connected and manageable across an independent journey?