Mindful streets: understanding neurodiverse transportation behaviours and the implications for complete streets planning
In recent years we have learnt more about neurodiversity, who it impacts, and how. Diagnoses such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are now better understood for how they can present in different populations, such as adults and women. As diagnoses became more accessible and less stigmatized the number of those who identify with ADHD and ASD has risen. Despite this emergence, very little research has explored how being neurodivergent can impact experiences and perceptions of everyday life in the public realm, including everyday travel. Many people who identify as neurodiverse are independently mobile, partaking in daily commuting and recreational trips around their communities. However, their unique needs and perceptions may not be accounted for in how the streets are planned and designed.
This is particularly pertinent for transportation planning given the rise of ‘complete streets’; a growing planning effort that aims to comfortably accommodate a range of modes and users on the street through dedicated infrastructure, wayfinding, and streetscaping. Complete streets are often promised to be for ‘all ages and abilities’, with specific efforts that make streets more comfortable and accessible for vulnerable populations. Yet, in current complete streets planning practices, ‘all ages and abilities’ has narrowly considered age and some physical disabilities and is missing more fulsome consideration to different mental capabilities, and how these can influence access and comfort on the street.
To address this issue, this study aims to understand neurodiverse transportation experiences, and explore how these experiences can be better reflected in complete streets planning practices. Through sit-down and walk-along interviews with participants who identify as either Autistic or as having ADHD, this study will:
- Assess route and mode choices of neurodiverse populations and examine the variables (in both the built and social environment) that can impact these choices.
- Determine the types of streetscapes that are comfortable and accessible for neurodiverse populations (those with ADHD or who are on the autism-spectrum) and compare how these relate to complete streets planning practices.
This study will be conducted in two phases. For more information on each phase please see below.
Phase 1
Phase 1 is open to anyone in Ontario who self-identifies with either ADHD or ASD and actively travels (via walking, cycling, transit or driving). In this phase of the research, participants will sit down for an online interview that will take approximately 20 minutes. Questions will be asked about:
- Your current transportation practices, and
- Your preferred conditions for different modes.
The interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Excerpts from the interview discussion may be quoted in publications and/or presentations that arise from this research. However, these quotes will not be attributed to any individual participant, and your participation will remain anonymous.
Phase 2
In Phase 2, the study looks to take University of Waterloo students who self-identify with either ASD or ADHD on walks between the University of Waterloo and Uptown Waterloo. Any student participating in phase 2 will complete a phase 1 sit-down interview prior to going on the walk-along. These walks will traverse a range of different street typologies and ask questions such as How does this street make you feel? What features of the street are most noticeable to you and in what way? Would this be a street you typically travel on? What modes would you feel comfortable using on this street?
If a part of the pre-planned route becomes uncomfortable at any given time during the interview, an alternate route will be sought. You will not be taken anywhere that does not feel safe or comfortable to you.
The route will take 1 hour, and then the student researcher will walk with you back to campus (1.5 hour walk overall). By talking about your experiences, you will help urban planners design more inclusive streets which accommodate for the needs of those who are neurodiverse.
A map of the proposed route is available in the Participate tab. The walk-along interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Excerpts from the interview discussion may be quoted in publications and/or presentations that arise from this research. However, these quotes will not be attributed to any individual participant, and your participation will remain anonymous.
About the researchers
This research is conducted as part of a PhD Dissertation on how to plan and design for more inclusive streetscapes. The lead researchers for this study are Samantha Leger, PhD Candidate for the School of Planning, University of Waterloo and Dr. Jennifer Dean, Associate Professor at the School of Planning, University of Waterloo.
Samantha Leger
PhD Candidate, RPP Candidate
School of Planning
University Waterloo
200 University Avenue, West
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
sjleger@uwaterloo.ca
Dr. Jennifer Dean
Associate Professor
School of Planning
University Waterloo
200 University Avenue, West
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
519-888-4567 x49107
jennifer.dean@uwaterloo.ca