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Special Needs Drivers

Safe, Interactive and Educational

Our driving simulators are a great tool for introducing the driving experience to our population of drivers with executive functioning challenges.  Free from physical injury, the drivers are able to interact with the simulator and experience the realness of driving while learning to make corrections that will help with improvements to their driver's training.   

Driving is a privilege that most of us look forward to and seek in order to be mobile on our own.

 

For individuals with ADD, ADHD and other conditions that limit learning, the driving experience becomes a challenge because of the numerous requirements associated with driving and executive functioning. When executive functioning, defined as the cognitive/mental skills needed to get things done, is compromised, the skills for managing driving, checking mirrors, keeping a safe distance, etc., create an additional layer of complexity for new drivers.  

 

The Driving Experience simulator program is unique in that it recognizes the extra time and effort that may be needed to bring drivers with executive functioning challenges to driving success.  We provide a safe, dynamic, interactive environment to learn to drive, to become aware of the multiple layers of skills needed as we drive and to improve the attention to the various situations drivers face each time they get behind the wheel.    

 

We offer a special package of training on our simulator for our special needs population because we understand learning any skill is not universal and may require repeated practice, special attention and extra effort before mastery for our special needs population.

Helpful Resources For Parents, Adults, and Caregivers

A great resource that offers an abundant amount of information on so many topics for adults, parents and caretakers of ADHD family and friends. 

Teaching parents and instructors the best methods for guidance, care and accountability with ADHD drivers.  The science behind what works and what will prepare ADHD drivers is the cornerstone of Behind the Wheel with ADHD.  

AUTISM AND DRIVING

One in three teens with autism spectrum disorder receives driver's license

First large-scale study on driving outcomes among adolescents with ASD suggests families' decision to drive occurs before learner's permit

Date: April 11, 2017

Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Summary:  One in three adolescents with autism spectrum disorder acquires an intermediate driver's license, and the majority does so in their 17th year. The vast majority of teens with ASD who receive a learner's permit goes on to receive their license within two years after becoming eligible, suggesting that families make the decision of whether their children with ASD will learn to drive before their teens ever get behind the wheel.

Driving and autism: researchers studying “how to help young adults be successful”

February 13, 2017

By Matt Windsor

A new UAB study found no significant difference in driving performance between young adults with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing peers. It's the first lab-driven research on a topic that's gaining in importance as a new generation of teens with ASD reaches driving age.

 

Using virtual reality to help teenagers with autism learn how to drive

By David Salisbury | Jul. 21, 2016

Should Some Autistic Kids Drive?

By Flaura K. Winston, MD, PhD

March 26, 2012

 

 

 

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CHADD is a great resource for all things ADD and ADHD.  Finding tools, support and guidance for your teen or young adult begins with CHADD's extensive listing of topics.

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