A first train journey with an autistic child
Trains are exciting and overwhelming in equal measure: big, fast, loud, with a gap to step over and doors that beep. Here’s how to make the first trip a good one.
Show, then do
Read the train story, then visit a station just to watch. Stand behind the yellow line, feel the whoosh, listen to the announcements. Ride one stop before you try a long journey.
Ask for Passenger Assist
Every UK train company offers free Passenger Assist: book it the day before and staff will meet you, help you board, and can make sure there’s a seat. Autism counts; you don’t need a diagnosis letter.
Seats and sounds
- Book seats if you can, facing forwards, a table seat for drawing or a tablet.
- Ear defenders for the platform, where the noise is loudest.
- The doors beep before they close. Say so beforehand, so it isn’t a surprise.
- A snack and a drink for the moment the train starts moving.
Getting off
Count the stops together on the picture strip, or set a timer. Stand up one stop early, hold a hand, and step over the gap on ‘three’. Then it’s done, and you can tell everyone about it.
Make the free story first
Type your child’s name and get “Sam goes on the train” as a picture story: one picture and one sentence a page, in their name. Read it a few times before the day, then take it with you. Print it, save it as a PDF, or read it in the Now & Next app with every routine as a story too.
Make the story (free) Open the appKits that go with this guide
- Everything bundle (£14.99): Every kit in the shop in one download: 24 kits and 500+ picture cards, plus the Card Maker. Save £74.27.
Written by a dad to an autistic son with ADHD. This is everyday parenting advice, not medical or therapy advice. If you’re worried about your child, talk to your GP, health visitor or school SENCo.