The transport situation of Swedish children with autism-spectrum disorders, aged 2-16 years, was examined in a survey of their parents. Data were collected on child, family vehicle, school transportation, the Special Transport System (STS), safety restraints, vehicle adaptations, parents and children's worries, perceived risks associated with entering and exiting the vehicles, and knowledge of rules and regulations. Parents were worried about distractions caused by their children and about the children manipulating the safety belts. They were also worried about drivers and other passengers being unaware of how to communicate with the children. Most children used school transportation. Safety belt usage in school transport and STS was low. Children with autism-spectrum disorders suffered from reduced transport mobility because the transport system was not adapted to their special needs. There was a relationship between lack of knowledge of relevant rules and regulations and unintentional misuse of safety equipment.
Abstract