Why do we need an autism travel app you might ask?

Let our users explain…In the first of a series of guest blogs to address this question, actor, writer and Aubin user Molly talks about her challenges navigating public transport, Aubin, and her exciting new independent film project.

I thought I just hated public transport, but it turns out I’m late diagnosed autistic.

Sensory overload is a nightmare on public transport; I wouldn’t dare start a journey without my Sony WH-1000XM4 noise cancelling headphones to block out the noise. The typing, the chewing and dare I say…the breathing *shudder*. Headphones are also a great tool to avoid the pressure of having to engage in small talk with other passengers (sorry not sorry!)

My bedazzled leopard print smart phone is my lifeline. I plan my journeys in advance across a multitude of different apps. I take screenshots and write down the order of the journey in my notes app to ensure I’m fully prepared. Extra time is always given too; in case there are any hiccups or changes in the journey. If my phone battery is low, I start to panic, as all the sacred travel information I need is on there.

(Note to self: buy portable charger online next day delivery ASAP)

Aubin streamlines all the information you need across all travel apps, which you can view in one place. It can tell you how long the journey will take door to door, from walking, bus, train and tube. The app even tells you how many stops there are, which is very handy if you are going to an unfamiliar area as you can count each of the stops. They provide you with full information about each station to allow you to be fully prepared and familiar before you arrive – an autistic persons dream! 

Changes and unpredictability are hard to manage as an autistic person, but when it comes to the world of travel, changes happen regularly throughout the day for an array of reasons – an autistic person’s nightmare. Aubin keeps you up to date with any changes in your journey to help manage and cope with these alterations. If you’re in a panic mid journey there is no need to head to the bathroom for a meltdown… go to the app to recentre with a quick grounding technique.

As a late diagnosed autistic woman, I’ve taken all of my emotional baggage and transported it into a short film called ‘I’m Autistic and Also That B!tch’ a semi-autobiographical comedy about post diagnostic support (or lack of), autism in women and the controversy around the term Asperger’s. Give us a follow-on Instagram at @imautisticfilm and come on board and help us reach our crowd funding destination here: https://greenlit.com/project/im-autistic-and-also-btch