Transportation options for autistic individuals: Key considerations

Reliable transportation is critical to achieving independence. Many disabled adults say that managing transportation is a crucial skill they wish their parents had taught them. Even if your child can't drive, It’s important to teach your child how to access transportation. Walking, using a bus or public transport system, taxis or ride sharing service like Uber are all valid options.

Agree on the types of transportation that will work best for your child

Walking, driving, riding the bus, using rideshare apps, or biking are all valid transport options to consider. Your child may be able to drive sometimes, all the time, or not at all. It's okay to mix and match transportation options. It's best to make sure your child has at least 2 options, in case their first method fails (e.g. the bus runs late), they'll always have a backup.

If needed, discuss the possibility of driving

Most states allow teens to apply for a driver's permit around age 15, but some people are more comfortable waiting until they're older to learn how to drive. Some disabled and autistic people can’t drive or don’t want to learn how to drive (due to discomfort, sensory overwhelm, coordination challenges, etc.). Owning a car may not be a possibility for everyone.

As your child slides into their teenage years, you want to have this conversation, while keeping in mind their unique sensory profile, needs, and challenges. Some disabled youth may really want to learn to drive, but for medical or other reasons, can’t. Others may be technically able to drive, but may find it too overwhelming. Get on the same page with your child, and maybe consult with your child’s care team to see if driving is something your child is ready for. Maybe it's not something your child can do right now, but perhaps someday they'll be ready. (Pssst. The neurodivergent writer of this article didn't learn to drive until she was 22! And that's okay.)

Incorporate travel training into your child’s IEP

Whichever transportation method(s) you and your child decide on, you can add that training to your child’s IEP. For example, if public transportation is an option in your community, you can start small with weekly trips to the train or bus station and build up to riding the train or bus to specific locations alone. Smaller or rural communities can tap into existing local transportation options. You can also include driving classes into your child's IEP.

Teach your child how to be safe

People with disabilities are at more risk for victimization of all kinds; regardless of what kind of transportation your child will be using (assisted or unassisted), it’s important to teach them safety. This could look like:

• Teaching your child back-up transport options in case their regular mode of transportation falls through
• How to verify if a rideshare driver is the right person
• How to call for help, stop the bus, or communicate problems while in transit
• How to use a crosswalk, add reflective elements to clothing or their bike
• Learning bus routes, using GPS, using their phone or communication device to contact emergency services
• What to do if they’re being followed, harassed, or find themselves in an unsafe situation
• Self-defense training and safety equipment (like a whistle)

More on transition planning

Learning transportation is a major step in your child's blossoming independence, but it's not the only step. You also need to help your child figure out housing options and more. Create a free, customized Beaming Health Action Plan for more help with your child's adulthood transition.