The purpose of this primer is to add to existing knowledge on the topic of transportation patterns and barriers as experienced by people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). The primer includes background information on New Jersey’s 2023 legislation addressing Complete Streets for neurodivergent individuals, a glossary of relevant terms, and key findings on how ASD and IDD diagnoses can impact walking, bicycling, and access to transit. Since only a small percentage of New Jersey adults with ASD drive (about 3%), discussion on driving is limited. This primer is not exhaustive and is intended to provide an overview of the challenges faced by many individuals with ASD and IDDs as well as opportunities to improve active travel for neurodivergent persons. The key findings in this primer were synthesized from a review of literature from reputable institutional outlets, published books, and peer-reviewed scholarly articles. Findings were also obtained from eight subject matter expert interview sessions, which focused on gathering information on characteristics associated with neurodivergence that can make walking, bicycling, and accessing transit challenging, as well as potential design features that could make traveling by foot, bicycle, or transit in New Jersey safer and more inclusive for neurodivergent people.
Read full report: Advancing Complete Streets for Neurodivergent Individuals: A Primer
NJDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center. (2025). Advancing Complete Streets for Neurodivergent Individuals: A Primer. Retrieved from https://njbikeped.org/complete-streets-for-neurodivergent-individuals-primer/
