autism
Can an autistic person drive? Yes, many autistic individuals can and do drive successfully. Driving is legal for autistic people, who must meet the same licensing requirements as anyone else. While some may face unique challenges related to sensory sensitivities, attention, social cues, and multitasking, tailored training and preparation can help them become safe, confident drivers.
- Autistic drivers often take longer to get licensed, but can reach similar safety records and driving skills as their peers.
- Challenges include handling sensory overload (like bright lights or loud noises), multitasking demands, and interpreting social signals on the road.
- Strengths for many autistic drivers include strict rule adherence, low risk-taking, and a strong focus on details.
- Studies show autistic drivers may have fewer traffic citations and comparable crash risks to other new drivers.
- Specialized driving lessons and occupational therapy assessments can provide personalized coaching tailored to individual needs.
In North Carolina, families working with Epic Minds Therapy see autistic teens and adults develop driving skills through custom strategies that address sensory, executive function, and social processing challenges. With patience and practice, many gain confidence and independence behind the wheel.
Can an autistic person drive? Absolutely—driving is achievable and safe with the right support and training.
Ready to help your loved one take the wheel? Contact Epic Minds Therapy to schedule a “Driving Readiness Evaluation” and explore personalized coaching to start the journey toward driving independence.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/can-autistic-people-drive
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transport/driving
- https://www.gov.uk/autism-and-driving
- https://health.osu.edu/health/mental-health/autism-and-driving
- https://www.brightpinepsychology.com/autism-and-driving/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9889452/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8992894/
- https://www.uab.edu/reporter/research-innovation/most-teens-with-autism-do-not-drive-this-researcher-is-testing-a-way-to-change-that
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5767541/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457523004141
- https://autismspectrumnews.org/supporting-autistic-individuals-in-driver-education-a-systematic-approach/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.754776/full