Abstract

Context: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically emerges early in life, characterized by social withdrawal, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. These traits can hinder children’s ability to access transportation and participate in community activities, posing challenges for caregivers. Aims: To explore transportation-related difficulties faced by caregivers of children with ASD. Settings and Design: A methodological study conducted in two phases: questionnaire development and validation, followed by a cross-sectional caregiver survey. Methods and Material: A 60-item questionnaire covering three domains was developed and validated by eight occupational therapy experts, yielding a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.93. The tool was administered to 50 caregivers of children aged 4–10 years with ASD, via interviews and phone calls. Only caregivers involved in regular transportation were included. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate percentage scores reflecting caregiver difficulties. Results: Caregivers frequently reported temper tantrums, self-injurious behaviors, and stress during transportation. Most preferred private modes and used distraction strategies such as toys and snacks. Key concerns included lack of danger awareness, difficulty sitting near others, and social isolation. Conclusions: The findings provide valuable insights for occupational therapists in addressing caregiver challenges and planning effective interventions to support transportation and community mobility for children with ASD.

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