Autistic sufferers on public transport

Unknown said:

A great fear of mine with an unfamiliar bus route is getting off at the wrong place and losing my bearings .

I have Dyspraxia and also experience this problem. The key I have found is in travelling back to a bus stop and looking at the pointer of which stop you are on. Then observing what bus numbers are going in either direction. The first thing I do is decide which direction I need to go, which will detirmine what side of the street you need to be on.

If you think you are really lost, then the best and simple thing to do is flag down a taxi or bus and speak with the driver (they seem like they are in a rush, but they will always help, if not then passengers when they hear you asking).

IMPORTANT: If you have a job interview, or meeting someone always plan your route first and note down the directions (as well as what shops you'll pass by: These are called MARKERS - Use Google Street View). Sometimes when I get lost I can ask for directions or orientate myself based on a shop or building that everyone will know and is noticeable.

For me, I only experience sensitivity triggers when stimuli are overlapping which overwhelms me - I feel as though I am bombarded with a stream of sensations all at the same time. The worst part is that I can easily block out visual stimulus when overwhelmed by closing my eyes, but with noise I can't filter out the sensations and I instantly get irritated and angry where I fantasy about intervening to stop the noise, but never do due to fear of the repercussions (CBT has helped with this).

Worst triggers:

• Sound of sirens in built up traffic or when they wiz past
• Abrupt tannoy with harsh loud voice and beep (I actually have an obsessional interest in this - some places have a warm/calm sounding voice/beeps)
• Music spill-over of terrible choice of music
• Obnoxious behaviour, esp. drunkeness (if I sense trouble I will move to another place or exist the vehicle)
• Bright 'white' lights - I prefer warmer colour temperature but that doesn't appear too orange/yellow like the old conventional lights did.
• Overlapping group conversations with constant laughter - I HATE IT! Same reason I have difficulty being in a restaurant or bar.

Yeah. Wherever there's any amount of people, I get really anxious. Especially since 2 dodgy looking people stared at me and mimicked how I covered my ears when a train came by. If I'm with someone then I'm less anxious, but still am scared. 

What  way ? Does it get too busy and crowded for you 

Yes. Especially with trains and buses. When waiting for a train, and other trains pass through, it makes me very nervous and anxious because of the noise. Also because of people, in general as well as with public transport.

It can be quite hit and miss for me on the tube, but it can start out as being very irritable and then can end up being in tears. I've got a tfl badge to help me get a seat which I've found helpful although if people are nudging my book or their clothes keep getting in my face when I'm sitting then having a seat isn't that effective. I always keep headphones in as music blocks out the noise or the ear buds simply muffle it all. I then have a book to read or look at articles I've saved on my phone or play a word game. I find the major issue to be a lack of personal space and random touching. Also, the erratic walking patterns of other's drives me up the wall 

Yes! I can't even remember the last time I went on a bus, and whenever it was I wouldnt have been on it on my own, strangely enough though I seem to be ok with flying? Go figure... Maybe my issues go back to school days and bullying.

My partner is undiagnosed asd and outright refuses to use public transport

If he can't drive he won't go (with the exception of planes but hates airport) 

My daughter is terrified of cars and screams to slow down (even at 5mph) buses she hates the noise, coaches are ok trains are to noisy and she panics at the gap between platform and train 

So we stay local and walk everywhere! 

I really do not like the London Underground! Too busy and noisy.

I hate train stations and airports aswell

For me i do if its too busy/loud or im going somewhere new or eg the station layout is confusing. It sets off massive sensory overload and anxiety. If its fairly quiet, im using routes i know well and have my ear defenders/headphones with me i tend to be OK though and can even enjoy it sometimes.

I NEVER enjoy airports/air travel though. airports are one of the circles of hell as far as im concerned. As is birminghan new street station!

Alot of people do! I'm not autistic and I have massive panic attacks on public transport (or anywhere busy) I spend the entire journey in fight or flight mode my heart races I feel sick that then triggers ibs which makes it so much worse I'm exhausted when I get home.