Need some driving advice please...

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I wanted to chime in on this thread….My daughter (19 ½ yo) also has a

diagnosis of AS. I have to say, as much as it would make my life EASIER for

her to drive, I think that it is much, much better for EVERYONE if she does

not. She is a very high functioning individual in many ways, even attending

college (and passing all classes her first semester, yeah!!!). However, many

of the particular impairments that she individually has would all make

driving a very bad idea for her and for all other drivers anywhere around

her. In short, I think she would be a menace!

She does not have good (if any) attention to detail, is very, very easily

distracted, has poor motor planning, is upset very easily by minor things,

has problems with depth perception….even has difficulty knowing where her

own body is in space. I think, for her, driving would not be a good choice.

However…if I felt she could drive, I would probably NOT disclose her

diagnosis to the DMV. They ask that question to ensure that people who would

be hazardous are not on the road such as individuals with seizure disorders

or someone else who might black out at the wheel. That is, of course, a

major danger. But, because she does not have that level of impairment, I

would not disclose. How many other drivers out there are even worse than

might daughter would probably be? A LOT, because I see them everyday on the

roads!!!

The main factor in our decision has to do with the fact that my daughter

DOES NOT WANT TO DRIVE. She has no interest and is too scared of what

“might” happen. She has also seen some of those lousy drivers out there and

is more afraid of them than she is of her own abilities!

We do not have public transportation where we live, so the whole

driving/transportation issue is significant and is really impairing her

ability to become independent. For us right now, driving is just not in the

cards. If she changes HER feelings, then we will re-evaluate. I do think

that it makes a difference depending on the community where you live (rural

vs. metropolitan) as to the decision. But even if you do choose to have your

son drive, unless he would have significant issues due to his ASD (such as

seizures OR even if he has a tendency toward volatile behavior and might be

prone to road rage) then I probably wouldn’t disclose it. If issues seem

significant enough to disclose, then maybe driving isn’t a good idea.

Just my thoughts.

nna

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