How are community resources and wayfinding taught to people with autism?

PostedDecember 23, 2025

UpdatedDecember 23, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Learning how to navigate the community is an important part of independence for autistic people, and UK statutory guidance emphasises that support should include daily living skills, planning, and accessible environments. According to the government’s Think Autism statutory guidance, councils and NHS bodies must consider sensory needs, anxiety, and planning adaptations when supporting community participation.

How wayfinding skills are commonly taught

Evidence in Autism Toolbox shows that autistic people generally benefit from structured, explicit instruction. NICE guidelines for autistic adults and young people recommend using visual supports, sequencing, and occupational therapy to build daily living and community skills, including independent travel.

Occupational therapists often use modelling, step-by-step practice, and “errorless learning,” where a route is rehearsed multiple times to reduce unpredictability and anxiety. NHS services also highlight the value of visual cues, sensory preparation, and clear task sequencing to support wayfinding in busy environments.

Local authority and education-based travel training

Across the UK, many councils run Independent Travel Training (ITT) programmes designed for autistic young people and those with SEND. These programmes typically include route rehearsal, visual mapping, interpreting signage, managing unexpected changes, and building confidence through gradual exposure.

Examples include:

Oxfordshire ITT (Oxfordshire Travel Training)

Lewisham ITT (Lewisham Independent Travel Training)

Croydon ITT (Croydon Travel Training)

Education settings also embed community navigation in life-skills programmes using visual schedules, social stories, and supported journeys, such as those in Brent’s preparation-for-adulthood pathway (Brent Life Skills Travel Training).

What charities and research show

The National Autistic Society notes that many autistic people experience sensory overload, anxiety, and challenges interpreting signage during travel, meaning predictable and structured approaches are essential. Their guidance outlines the value of visual supports, live navigation apps, and rehearsal of routes before travelling independently.

UK research from Autism in Adulthood (2022) and NAS also highlights that sensory overload and unpredictability are major barriers to independent travel, reinforcing the need for personalised and consistent support.

The takeaway

Wayfinding and community navigation can be difficult for autistic people, particularly when environments are busy or unpredictable. But with structured teaching, visual tools, occupational therapy, and travel-training programmes run by councils and colleges, many individuals can build the confidence and skills needed to navigate their communities more independently.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.