New resource launched to support more inclusive road safety education for autistic people
A new autism and neurodiversity resource is now available to help ensure road safety education is more accessible and inclusive for autistic people.
Developed by Co-Pilot in partnership with the National Autistic Society, the resource supports road safety professionals to create learning experiences that recognise and respond to the needs of autistic learners.
While the focus is on improving inclusion, understanding autism also plays an important role in meeting legal responsibilities. Under UK equality law, organisations must consider and make reasonable adjustments to avoid disadvantaging disabled people.
With at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, most practitioners will work with autistic children or adults during their careers - including individuals who may not yet have a diagnosis.
Autistic people may experience differences in social communication, sensory processing, executive functioning and a greater need for certainty. These differences can shape how they engage with road safety sessions, education materials or learning environments.
The new resource features 24 short videos delivered by an expert from the National Autistic Society. Each video explores a different area of difference and provides practical, real-world examples. Supporting written guidance helps professionals design materials, plan sessions and anticipate situations where autistic people may benefit from additional support.
A recent example from a local authority’s Active Travel Team demonstrates the value of inclusive thinking. After receiving feedback from a parent of an autistic child, the team reviewed its school walking route guidance and explored clearer mapping, colour coding and quieter alternative routes. These improvements were recognised as boosting accessibility for autistic pupils while supporting more children to walk to school safely and confidently.
This latest addition is another example of the practical, specialist support available through the Co-Pilot Vision Zero Toolbox. Members can access a growing library of tools, resources and expert-led guidance designed to help them strengthen their practice, keep pace with emerging expectations and deliver high-quality services across all areas of road safety.
The resource arrives at a key moment, with the Department for Transport’s Road Safety Strategy expected soon. It hopes the guidance will help members feel confident, supported and prepared to embed inclusive, legally responsible practice as expectations evolve across the sector.
Ellie Goodman, Trainer Consultant at the National Autistic Society said: “We’ve designed this resource to provide clear information and practical guidance to enable all road safety professionals to better understand autism and support autistic people. We hope our films and written guidance will support professionals to feel empowered to make often small but important changes to their practice.”
James Evans, Founder and CEO of Co-Pilot, said: “When we take time to understand autism, we can create learning experiences where more people feel able to take part - and we’re also meeting our responsibilities as professionals. Many autistic people face barriers that aren’t always obvious, and making reasonable adjustments is both a legal duty and simply the right thing to do.
"We developed this resource with the National Autistic Society to give practitioners clear, practical support. Our hope is that it helps colleagues reflect on their approach, make small changes that benefit everyone and feel confident they are delivering inclusive and responsible road safety education. With the new Road Safety Strategy on the horizon, this work is more important than ever.”
