A Review of Accessibility Barriers in Public Settings and Proposed Support for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Byrne, Braislee

A Review of Accessibility Barriers in Public Settings and Proposed Support for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10456/59247

Author(s)

Byrne, Braislee

Date Issued

April 14, 2025

Abstract

With the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders on the rise, the development of more inclusive, accessible practices in public settings has become increasingly necessary (Tola, et al., 2021). This integrative review sought to (1) identify the various communication, sensory, and societal access barriers present in public spaces such as the workplace, higher educational facilities, recreational settings, and healthcare facilities, and (2) synthesize available research on feasible supports to aid in resolving these barriers. We aimed to find support to minimize communication barriers resulting from inconsideration of communication preferences of those with ASD, sensory barriers pertaining to the quality of the built environment, and negative societal attitudes toward ASD that often result from a lack of understanding of the disorder, or misinformation about ASD. From the review, three possible supports were identified: Texting with Interpret Suggest & Preview (TwIPS) (Haroon & Dogar, 2024), the Autism ASPECTSS™ Design index (Mostafa, 2015), and the SPACE framework (Doherty et al., 2023). These methods were highlighted and discussed within the review for potential implementation within public settings, with the purpose of minimizing the aforementioned barriers. Findings suggest that programs such as TwIPS, the Autism ASPECTSS™ Design Index, and the SPACE framework can improve accessibility in public settings for those with ASD.

Major

Psychology

Honors

Psychology, 2025

First Reader(s)

Chowdhury, Monali