Exceptional Needs Today Issue 5

Page 52

SKILLS FOR LIFE

Best Ways to Prepare for the Road Test with Autism

By Andrew Arboe FOR MANY INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM, LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE IS COMPOSED OF A MIX OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CHALLENGES. EXTERNAL CHALLENGES APPEAR IN THE FORM OF LIMITED RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN ONE’S AREA OR WITHIN ONE’S STATE, WHILE INTERNAL CHALLENGES CAN RANGE FROM EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING DIFFICULTIES TO SENSORY-RELATED DIFFICULTIES. MANY OF THESE CHALLENGES ARE UNIQUE TO BEING AN AUTISTIC INDIVIDUAL LEARNING TO DRIVE, AND WHILE IT TAKES EFFORT AND PLANNING, IT’S POSSIBLE TO OVERCOME THEM.

I

am familiar with this because of my experiences as an autistic individual as well as my experiences as a consultant and speaker on driving while autistic. I have consulted with clients all over Connecticut and throughout the country and host webinars based on my experiences with learning how to drive. The approach I take to learning to drive as an autistic individual is unique and based around

52 | Exceptional Needs Today | Issue 5

strategizing and planning for success. One issue I have repeatedly encountered is how to effectively prepare for the road test as an autistic driver. The road test portion of the process one goes through to get a driver’s license is not only difficult but tends to be extremely daunting and anxiety-invoking as well. I am here today to help you understand how to effectively prepare for success with the road test!


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