Autistic-led insights on airport accessibility: A retrospective analysis of environmental assessments / Chris EDWARDS in Autism, 29-8 (August 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 29-8 (August 2025) . - p.2151-2162 Titre : Autistic-led insights on airport accessibility: A retrospective analysis of environmental assessments Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Ru YING CAI, Auteur ; Tom TUTTON, Auteur ; Emma BEARDSLEY, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2151-2162 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : accessibility  air travel  airport  autism-friendly  tourism Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic people often encounter significant barriers when navigating airports, largely due to overwhelming sensory environments, stringent security procedures, and crowded spaces. This study aimed to enhance understanding of airport accessibility by retrospectively analyzing reports from Autistic-led environmental assessments conducted at six Australian airports between 2017 and 2024. Drawing on an evidence-informed autism-friendly framework, the assessments focused on eight key elements, including sensory adaptations, communication supports, and preparation and predictability. Through reflexive thematic analysis, two key themes were generated: (1) navigating the sensory landscape and (2) help passengers navigate with confidence. Our findings underscore the importance of sensory adjustments-such as natural lighting and quiet spaces-alongside clearer visual aids and communication supports. Importantly, this study represents the first systematic application of autism-friendly principles to airport environments, offering practical, evidence-based recommendations for more inclusive design. By foregrounding the perspectives of Autistic individuals, this research highlights the need for participatory design approaches to create public spaces that are genuinely accessible and supportive for Autistic travelersLay abstract Airports can be challenging for Autistic people because of overwhelming sensory experiences like bright lights and loud noises, security processes, and crowded spaces. This study analyzed reports from six Australian airports, produced between 2017 and 2024, to understand how airports can be made better for Autistic travelers. These reports were based on assessments led by Autistic people and used a specific framework to evaluate areas like sensory experiences and communication needs. The study found two main ways to improve accessibility: (1) reducing sensory challenges, like loud noises or bright, overwhelming areas, and (2) improving communication and wayfinding to make navigation clearer and easier. Some of the recommendations included providing quiet spaces for travelers, using softer and more natural lighting, and improving signs to make it easier for people to navigate airports. This is the first study to apply autism-friendly principles to airports and shows the importance of involving Autistic people in the design of more inclusive public spaces. The findings offer practical recommendations for airports around the world to better support Autistic travelers. En ligne : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613251337200 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=564 [article] Autistic-led insights on airport accessibility: A retrospective analysis of environmental assessments [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Ru YING CAI, Auteur ; Tom TUTTON, Auteur ; Emma BEARDSLEY, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur . - p.2151-2162. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 29-8 (August 2025) . - p.2151-2162 Mots-clés : accessibility  air travel  airport  autism-friendly  tourism Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic people often encounter significant barriers when navigating airports, largely due to overwhelming sensory environments, stringent security procedures, and crowded spaces. This study aimed to enhance understanding of airport accessibility by retrospectively analyzing reports from Autistic-led environmental assessments conducted at six Australian airports between 2017 and 2024. Drawing on an evidence-informed autism-friendly framework, the assessments focused on eight key elements, including sensory adaptations, communication supports, and preparation and predictability. Through reflexive thematic analysis, two key themes were generated: (1) navigating the sensory landscape and (2) help passengers navigate with confidence. Our findings underscore the importance of sensory adjustments-such as natural lighting and quiet spaces-alongside clearer visual aids and communication supports. Importantly, this study represents the first systematic application of autism-friendly principles to airport environments, offering practical, evidence-based recommendations for more inclusive design. By foregrounding the perspectives of Autistic individuals, this research highlights the need for participatory design approaches to create public spaces that are genuinely accessible and supportive for Autistic travelersLay abstract Airports can be challenging for Autistic people because of overwhelming sensory experiences like bright lights and loud noises, security processes, and crowded spaces. This study analyzed reports from six Australian airports, produced between 2017 and 2024, to understand how airports can be made better for Autistic travelers. These reports were based on assessments led by Autistic people and used a specific framework to evaluate areas like sensory experiences and communication needs. The study found two main ways to improve accessibility: (1) reducing sensory challenges, like loud noises or bright, overwhelming areas, and (2) improving communication and wayfinding to make navigation clearer and easier. Some of the recommendations included providing quiet spaces for travelers, using softer and more natural lighting, and improving signs to make it easier for people to navigate airports. This is the first study to apply autism-friendly principles to airports and shows the importance of involving Autistic people in the design of more inclusive public spaces. The findings offer practical recommendations for airports around the world to better support Autistic travelers. En ligne : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613251337200 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=564

"I?m not feeling alone in my experiences": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming "Welcome Pack" / Chris EDWARDS in Autism, 29-8 (August 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 29-8 (August 2025) . - p.2072-2083 Titre : "I?m not feeling alone in my experiences": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming "Welcome Pack" Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Melanie HEYWORTH, Auteur ; Alexandra JOHNSTON, Auteur ; Fiona ALDRIDGE, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2072-2083 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autistic adult  diagnosis  late-diagnosed  neurodiversity-affirming  post-diagnostic  self-guided Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly transformative, yet many newly diagnosed autistic adults experience a lack of accessible, affirming post-diagnostic support. This study explores how a self-guided, neurodiversity-affirming resource-the "Welcome Pack"-supports newly diagnosed autistic adults in navigating their evolving identity. Using a qualitative approach, we recruited 11 autistic adults without intellectual disability in Australia who had received a diagnosis within the past 6?months. Participants engaged with the "Welcome Pack" over a 2-month period before taking part in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four key themes: (1) a sense of belonging through community and representation, as participants found validation in shared narratives; (2) the "Welcome Pack" as one of many tools supporting their self-understanding; (3) emotional reflections, including both relief and grief over years of masking; and (4) challenges in self-advocacy and educating others. While participants described the "Welcome Pack" as an important and validating resource, they also highlighted the need for additional structured peer support and practical guidance. These findings underscore the value of integrating self-guided resources within broader post-diagnostic ecosystems, ensuring that newly diagnosed autistic adults receive timely, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming support as they navigate their identity.Lay Abstract Many autistic people receive a diagnosis in adulthood, often after years of feeling different but not knowing why. While a diagnosis can bring relief, it can also be overwhelming, with few accessible and affirming post-diagnostic supports available. This study explores how a free, self-guided resource-the "Welcome Pack"-helps newly diagnosed autistic adults navigate this transition. The "Welcome Pack," developed by autistic people, includes personal stories, practical advice, and reflection activities to support self-understanding and identity development. We worked with 11 autistic adults in Australia who had been diagnosed within the past 6?months. After using the "Welcome Pack" for 2?months, they shared their experiences through interviews. Our analysis identified four key themes. First, participants felt validated and less alone when reading personal stories from other autistic people. Second, they found the "Welcome Pack" useful but emphasized the need for additional resources. Third, they reflected on the emotional impact of their diagnosis, describing both relief and grief over years of masking (hiding or suppressing their autistic traits to fit in or avoid judgment). Finally, they faced challenges in self-advocacy and explaining autism to others. Overall, participants valued the "Welcome Pack" as a helpful starting point, but they also highlighted the need for more structured peer support and workplace advocacy tools. These findings suggest that while self-guided resources can provide meaningful support, they should be integrated with broader community and professional services to better meet the needs of newly diagnosed autistic adults. En ligne : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613251335070 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=564 [article] "I?m not feeling alone in my experiences": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming "Welcome Pack" [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Melanie HEYWORTH, Auteur ; Alexandra JOHNSTON, Auteur ; Fiona ALDRIDGE, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur . - p.2072-2083. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 29-8 (August 2025) . - p.2072-2083 Mots-clés : autistic adult  diagnosis  late-diagnosed  neurodiversity-affirming  post-diagnostic  self-guided Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly transformative, yet many newly diagnosed autistic adults experience a lack of accessible, affirming post-diagnostic support. This study explores how a self-guided, neurodiversity-affirming resource-the "Welcome Pack"-supports newly diagnosed autistic adults in navigating their evolving identity. Using a qualitative approach, we recruited 11 autistic adults without intellectual disability in Australia who had received a diagnosis within the past 6?months. Participants engaged with the "Welcome Pack" over a 2-month period before taking part in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four key themes: (1) a sense of belonging through community and representation, as participants found validation in shared narratives; (2) the "Welcome Pack" as one of many tools supporting their self-understanding; (3) emotional reflections, including both relief and grief over years of masking; and (4) challenges in self-advocacy and educating others. While participants described the "Welcome Pack" as an important and validating resource, they also highlighted the need for additional structured peer support and practical guidance. These findings underscore the value of integrating self-guided resources within broader post-diagnostic ecosystems, ensuring that newly diagnosed autistic adults receive timely, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming support as they navigate their identity.Lay Abstract Many autistic people receive a diagnosis in adulthood, often after years of feeling different but not knowing why. While a diagnosis can bring relief, it can also be overwhelming, with few accessible and affirming post-diagnostic supports available. This study explores how a free, self-guided resource-the "Welcome Pack"-helps newly diagnosed autistic adults navigate this transition. The "Welcome Pack," developed by autistic people, includes personal stories, practical advice, and reflection activities to support self-understanding and identity development. We worked with 11 autistic adults in Australia who had been diagnosed within the past 6?months. After using the "Welcome Pack" for 2?months, they shared their experiences through interviews. Our analysis identified four key themes. First, participants felt validated and less alone when reading personal stories from other autistic people. Second, they found the "Welcome Pack" useful but emphasized the need for additional resources. Third, they reflected on the emotional impact of their diagnosis, describing both relief and grief over years of masking (hiding or suppressing their autistic traits to fit in or avoid judgment). Finally, they faced challenges in self-advocacy and explaining autism to others. Overall, participants valued the "Welcome Pack" as a helpful starting point, but they also highlighted the need for more structured peer support and workplace advocacy tools. These findings suggest that while self-guided resources can provide meaningful support, they should be integrated with broader community and professional services to better meet the needs of newly diagnosed autistic adults. En ligne : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613251335070 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=564

'Just knowing it?s there gives me comfort': Exploring the benefits and challenges of autism alert cards / Chris EDWARDS in Autism, 29-3 (March 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 29-3 (March 2025) . - p.673-683 Titre : 'Just knowing it?s there gives me comfort': Exploring the benefits and challenges of autism alert cards Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Rebecca L. FLOWER, Auteur ; Ru YING CAI, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.673-683 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : This study explores the experiences and outcomes associated with the use of an autism alert card, developed to assist with the complexities of autism disclosure. A mixed-methods approach was employed, surveying 272 Australian participants, including 136 ... En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241286025 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=550 [article] 'Just knowing it?s there gives me comfort': Exploring the benefits and challenges of autism alert cards [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Rebecca L. FLOWER, Auteur ; Ru YING CAI, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur . - p.673-683. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 29-3 (March 2025) . - p.673-683 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : This study explores the experiences and outcomes associated with the use of an autism alert card, developed to assist with the complexities of autism disclosure. A mixed-methods approach was employed, surveying 272 Australian participants, including 136 ... En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241286025 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=550

Self-compassion improves emotion regulation and mental health outcomes: A pilot study of an online self-compassion program for autistic adults / Ru Ying CAI in Autism, 28-10 (October 2024)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 28-10 (October 2024) . - p.2572-2585 Titre : Self-compassion improves emotion regulation and mental health outcomes: A pilot study of an online self-compassion program for autistic adults Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2572-2585 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : self-compassion  anxiety  autism spectrum disorder  depression  interventions-psychosocial/behavioral Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : People thrive in compassionate environments. For autistic people, their environments are often non-conducive to care and support. We propose that cultivating autistic people?s self-compassion may be an antidote to the mental health difficulties arising from environmental causes. The current study aimed to pilot a self-guided online self-compassion program for autistic adults to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes related to completing this program. The program was co-produced with autistic individuals. Thirty-nine autistic adults aged 20-77?years (Mage = 45.28, SDage = 11.92) completed the online program. They also provided feedback about their self-compassion practices every week. They completed pre- and post-intervention online surveys measuring self-compassion, symptoms of anxiety and depression, positive and negative affect, emotion regulation difficulties, and psychological well-being. As hypothesized, there were significant group improvements in all outcome measures. Preliminary results suggest that the program is feasible and accepted by participants. Approximately half of the autistic participants reported experiences of backdraft, which are adverse reactions associated with self-compassion practices. Based on our findings, we provided clinical recommendations on how self-compassion can be taught to autistic adults. Lay abstract Self-compassion is when we are aware of our feelings and thoughts, are friendly toward ourselves, and realize everyone feels pain and makes mistakes. Self-compassion is associated with having better mental health and well-being in autistic and non-autistic people. But we do not know if autistic people?s self-compassion can be improved through psychoeducation and self-compassion practices. We co-produced an online self-guided self-compassion program based on evidence-based self-compassion practices for autistic adults called the Self-compassion Program for Autistic Adults. This program included live-experiences videos of autistic adults reflecting on their self-compassion and self-critical experiences. This study piloted the program with 39 autistic adults. We wanted to see if these autistic adults' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved after completing this program. We found that the autistic participants' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved significantly after completing the program over 5?weeks. We also found that just over half of the participants reported experiencing negative reactions associated with self-compassion practices. We suggested some clinical implications, including a recommendation for emotion regulation interventions to incorporate self-compassion to help promote access to the affiliative system. In addition, autistic adults who are psychologically vulnerable may need to work with mental health professionals while developing self-compassion to help manage the possible negative reactions associated with some self-compassion practices. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241235061 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=536 [article] Self-compassion improves emotion regulation and mental health outcomes: A pilot study of an online self-compassion program for autistic adults [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur . - p.2572-2585. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 28-10 (October 2024) . - p.2572-2585 Mots-clés : self-compassion  anxiety  autism spectrum disorder  depression  interventions-psychosocial/behavioral Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : People thrive in compassionate environments. For autistic people, their environments are often non-conducive to care and support. We propose that cultivating autistic people?s self-compassion may be an antidote to the mental health difficulties arising from environmental causes. The current study aimed to pilot a self-guided online self-compassion program for autistic adults to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes related to completing this program. The program was co-produced with autistic individuals. Thirty-nine autistic adults aged 20-77?years (Mage = 45.28, SDage = 11.92) completed the online program. They also provided feedback about their self-compassion practices every week. They completed pre- and post-intervention online surveys measuring self-compassion, symptoms of anxiety and depression, positive and negative affect, emotion regulation difficulties, and psychological well-being. As hypothesized, there were significant group improvements in all outcome measures. Preliminary results suggest that the program is feasible and accepted by participants. Approximately half of the autistic participants reported experiences of backdraft, which are adverse reactions associated with self-compassion practices. Based on our findings, we provided clinical recommendations on how self-compassion can be taught to autistic adults. Lay abstract Self-compassion is when we are aware of our feelings and thoughts, are friendly toward ourselves, and realize everyone feels pain and makes mistakes. Self-compassion is associated with having better mental health and well-being in autistic and non-autistic people. But we do not know if autistic people?s self-compassion can be improved through psychoeducation and self-compassion practices. We co-produced an online self-guided self-compassion program based on evidence-based self-compassion practices for autistic adults called the Self-compassion Program for Autistic Adults. This program included live-experiences videos of autistic adults reflecting on their self-compassion and self-critical experiences. This study piloted the program with 39 autistic adults. We wanted to see if these autistic adults' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved after completing this program. We found that the autistic participants' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved significantly after completing the program over 5?weeks. We also found that just over half of the participants reported experiencing negative reactions associated with self-compassion practices. We suggested some clinical implications, including a recommendation for emotion regulation interventions to incorporate self-compassion to help promote access to the affiliative system. In addition, autistic adults who are psychologically vulnerable may need to work with mental health professionals while developing self-compassion to help manage the possible negative reactions associated with some self-compassion practices. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241235061 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=536

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