For many autistic adults and teenagers, learning to drive can feel like a major roadblock to independence. But autism and driving don’t have to be like oil and water. They often can be mixed successfully, despite the challenges autistic people may face behind the wheel.
We understand that traveling with a disability can often be a source of heightened anxiety. That’s why we’ve gathered what you need to know to help ease the stress of driving with autism.
Driving with Autism: Rights & Rules to Know
Autistic people in the US are guaranteed rights to equal treatment publicly and privately, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Driving privileges are no exception.
Any autistic person can learn to drive if they are of a legal age. There are no different laws or rules of the road for autistic drivers, but there are some general things to keep in mind.
For example, it’s common for autistic adolescents and adults to take longer than neurotypicals to learn to drive confidently and safely enough to gain their license. What may only take two years for another teenager could take a neurodivergent person up to three or four years.
That said, autistic drivers may excel over neurotypical drivers in certain areas, like:
- Following learned driving rules
- Obeying traffic laws
- Driving cautiously (e.g. avoiding speeding)
- Keeping their eyes on the road/environment around
These strengths can make autistic drivers less likely to be ticketed by police officers or lose their licenses for reckless driving.
Potential Challenges for Autistic Drivers (& How to Fix Them)
We already mentioned the extended learning period, but that isn’t the only challenge, or even the biggest one, related to autism and driving. You may need to address any one of these challenges, or all of them, when you learn to drive.
Sensory Processing Differences
Driving involves a lot of key information processing. Things like traffic light color, turn signals, road signs and symbols, and which car has the right of way can all be a bit overwhelming at times. Intersections in particular can present a lot of sensory information to process at once, which can be tough for autistic people to sort through and prioritize.
One technique occupational therapists use to help autistic drivers is to verbally note key signals one by one for their clients in the car. This breaks the information down into individual pieces that are easier for the autistic mind to process. It’s also a method that, once learned, can be done by the driver themself.
Communication Differences
Getting pulled over is, unfortunately, likely to happen at some point while driving. The social anxiety that autistic people may feel can become heightened when law enforcement is involved.
If you worry about police officers misinterpreting your words or stims, preparation is key.
Certain states are adapting to this potential stress through a Blue Envelope Program. This provides autistic drivers with a blue envelope to place their license and registration into. It also provides tips to both the officer and the driver to ensure a successful dialogue.
If your state doesn’t offer this program, see what methods they do offer to communicate your disability or neurodivergence to police officers. And if they have nothing, or if you don’t wish to disclose your information that way, you can still prepare on your own terms.
We suggest making a plan with your support person or therapist for how to best communicate with law enforcement, should any traffic stop occur.
Decision-Making Delays
Driving often requires quick decision-making skills that autistic people might not be comfortable with. Immediately choosing if you should brake or speed through a yellow light, or if you can safely turn at a busy intersection, can be tough even for neurotypical drivers.
Practice builds confidence with this skill. If you’re able to practice driving a busy route you know you’ll take often, do it with a patient, experienced driving partner along with you to help with your decisions. Having repetitions under your belt can help make you more confident in fast-paced situations.
Ready to Learn to Drive? Resources for Autistic Adults
- Tips for Driving with Sensory Differences: This could be a great read if you’re particularly worried about sensory differences affecting your driving.
- Adaptive Driving Programs: Programs like this one in Pittsburgh may exist near you and could be the perfect way to learn from teachers who understand the different needs of autistic drivers.
- Vehicle Modifications for Adults with Disabilities: If you feel your motor skills may impact your driving, legal modifications could help you drive more safely and confidently.
Connect with the Resources that Help You Achieve Self-Determination
Driving yourself wherever you need to go is a huge step of independence everyone deserves to take if they wish. Whether it’s your first leap towards self-determination or your last, NeuroNav has the resources to help.
Our independent facilitation services are equipped with the right personnel and training to help autistic people and their families achieve the confident, safe, independent futures they seek. You can schedule a consultation today to find the support and advocacy you deserve at NeuroNav.
