Travel Training (Community Mobility) for Safe Community Access!

Independent access to transportation systems in the community is an important aspect of decision making and inclusion (Precin, Otto, Popalzai & Samuel, 2012). Travel training aims to facilitate decision making and inclusion by training individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to independently find and use transportation services e.g. a bus, train or taxi (Precin, Otto, Popalzai & Samuel, 2012).

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Important aspects of Travel Training according to Precin, Otto, Popalzai & Samuel (2012):

- Time management

- Bus/train schedules

- Environmental hazard awareness

- Organisational skills

- Self advocacy

- Map interpretation skills

- Communication skills

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Occupational Therapy and travel training according to Precin, Otto, Popalzai & Samuel (2012):

- Teaching money management skills.

- Cost effective trip analysis.

- Increasing client safety awareness e.g. standing behind the yellow line at a train station

- Dealing with emergency situations e.g. emergency exits.

- Prompting social communication e.g. asking questions.

- Building confidence through positive reinforcement, relaxation techniques to promote independence.

- Dealing with fears of travelling alone.

- Teaching through visual modelling, repetition and images.

- Developing a personalised travel training booklet.

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References:

Precin, P., Otto, M., Popalzai, K., & Samuel, M. (2012). The role for occupational therapists in community mobility training for people with autism spectrum disorders. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 28(2), 129-146. doi: 10.1080/0164212X.2012.679533