Transportation and Driving From An Autistic Point of View

About the Author

“My writer’s name is Elizabeth Jacob. I have ASD, which means I am autistic. I love to smile and I love life. I love to laugh and make others laugh too. I love people, and to make a difference in someone’s life is what my heart desires. I love to write, and I wrote before I could speak. I love to show the world that us disabled people have abilities if we are given the chance.”

Like a lot of people, I don’t want to be at home all day long and never go anywhere. Fortunately, there are several options for getting around where I live, and I’ve learned some things to make it easier as an Autistic person.

Public Transportation

I took the bus for years before I started to drive. I had my license from the time I left high school at 21 years old, but I was not interested in driving.  I do not know why I was not interested; I was more interested in going to college and aiming for a PhD. I took the bus a lot and learned some tricks: 

1. Because the bus is often either too early or does not come when it is supposed to, I like to call. 
2. I print the bus schedule of all the buses I have to take, and if the bus was supposed to come at 12 noon,  I would be at the bus stop at least 20 mins before the bus ought to come. If I have a class or have to be at work at 9 am, I set out to be there by 8:30 am, and I am at the bus stop even earlier than I want to be there. 
3. I have a mindset that prepares in case something goes wrong.  If the bus runs every 45 mins, and I miss it or the bus breaks down, I would have to wait another 45 minutes. If I have to be at work at 9 am, I make sure I plan it out to have that extra time in case something like that happens. 
4. On the bus, if I do not know where I am going, I ask the driver for help, and do not ask a stranger. Most times, I sit closer to the driver than in the back or middle of the bus. It is best because I am disabled. 
5.  I never place my purse on the seat next to me, but on my lap. I once left mine on the bus, and I never got it back. 
6.  When I travel on the bus at night, I wear a bright color or bring a bright color purse/book bag.
7. Due to noise sensitivity, I have a headset handy for me in case I need it. I always have something to read or a game on my phone while I take the bus because it makes it smoother for me. 
8. I use fidget toys or music to keep calm. An iPad helps too, which I use a lot even at the doctor’s office. Since I am learning to knit, I sometimes place it in a zip lock bag and utilize it when I travel.
9. At crowded stations, I tend to sit by myself away from the crowd, but not too far from where the bus will arrive. 

Driving

When I first started driving, there were several things I did to help me feel comfortable and safe:

1. It was important for me to become familiar with how to work the basic parts of the car, like how to open up the car trunk, headlights, how to call a tow truck, to open up the hood in order for the tow truck to find me, etc. 
2. I bought a car kit that had a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, reflective triangles, etc.
3. I have a small bag of clothes, etc. and meds (I change out when expired) in case of an emergency.
4. I have a small blanket and water if I need it, or if the car overheats and I need to pour water into the car.
5. I read the manual that came with the car so I knew where everything was and what all of the different warning lights meant.
6. If I travel alone on a long trip, I always text a loved one or friend to let them know where I am going so someone would know where I was because anything can happen. 
7. If my car ever breaks down, I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, get in a stranger’s car no matter how friendly they seem. 
8. I never leave my purse or book bag in the seat and go into a store. I like to place a purse or book bag in the truck before I start to drive. 
9. If the police stop me, I make sure I have my driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. And I never go in my purse or book bag without telling them first. 
10. Because noise is not good for me and I am often tired from talking or listening to someone at work, when I get in my car, I do not play the radio or have the windows down. 
11. Sunglasses are a blessing when driving because my eyes are sensitive. Sometimes when driving I have to tap my legs or stomach because it is the only thing that works to help keep me calm. There are also lap weights which can help.
12. Driving with gloves also can be helpful with touch sensitivities. I ended up buying a steering wheel cover to help. 
13. As an Autistic person, my body does not adjust to space and therefore I can never drive fast or go in and out of lines. Therefore I drive the speed limit and, most of the time in the slow lane or middle lane.

What works for me may not work for everyone, but it is important to be willing to try different things that will help a person get around the way they want to.