Exploring autism-friendly initiatives in Australian airports: ‘A lot better than a lot of airports that I’ve experienced’

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of autism-friendly initiatives implemented at two major Australian airports: Sydney and Gold Coast. As accessible air travel is essential for the social inclusion of Autistic individuals, ensuring that airports meet their specific needs is critical. Focusing on the lived experiences of Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children, the research seeks to assess how well these initiatives align with the needs of Autistic travellers and to identify any opportunities to further enhance airport accessibility. Through reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with 13 participants, the study generated themes related to persistent sensory challenges, the importance of planning and accessible quiet spaces, and the significant benefits associated with the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard. Although participants acknowledged the strides made in improving accessibility, they also highlighted areas that would benefit from further attention, particularly in communication and proactive support from airport personnel. The findings emphasise the pivotal role airports play in either facilitating or hindering the travel experiences and opportunities of Autistic individuals. The study concludes with a call for policy and practice reforms, advocating for the broader implementation of standardised autism-friendly initiatives and comprehensive staff training to ensure a consistently supportive environment for Autistic travellers.