What are the issues?
The main issues faced by Asperger drivers are:
Vocabulary skills:
Often people with Asperger's will hear the words and understand them in a literal sense rather than interpreting them into the context of the situation. Humor, double meanings and connotations are not easily understood. In driver training it is important a clear, concise vocabulary is set before training commences. The use of a communications book helps and allows the student to study these words or phrases in their own time without any added stress. Ensure they have the same understanding of the word and in what context you would use them.
Predicting skills:
One of the more difficult skills to learn is predicting. People with Asperger's often find it difficult to 'read' social cues. Driving is very social and requires a driver to 'see' things happening well before they actually do. This predicting skill is very difficult for the Asperger driver as they may find reading the other driver's intentions difficult.
Sequencing skills:
Driving is a complex task that requires a driver to 'sift' out the important from the unimportant information. Prioritizing is difficult when so much visual and verbal information is being taken in for a AS driver. Sensory overload is very common.
Turn taking:
AS drivers often have difficulty in situations that require the predicting and sequencing skills discussed. An example of this can be roundabouts. In fact many will say it scares them to use a roundabout. This is often due to the unpredictable nature of other drivers. In a perfect world if everyone followed the rules these situations would flow well. An AS driver is expecting everyone else to 'follow the rules'. Teaching them how to take turns and recognize the signs that someone is breaking the rules helps them understand difference.
Problem solving skills:
It is important to help the AS driver work through the skill of problem solving. That there is more than one answer and it may not always fit in with their perception of what should be done.
The main issues faced by Asperger drivers are:
Vocabulary skills:
Often people with Asperger's will hear the words and understand them in a literal sense rather than interpreting them into the context of the situation. Humor, double meanings and connotations are not easily understood. In driver training it is important a clear, concise vocabulary is set before training commences. The use of a communications book helps and allows the student to study these words or phrases in their own time without any added stress. Ensure they have the same understanding of the word and in what context you would use them.
Predicting skills:
One of the more difficult skills to learn is predicting. People with Asperger's often find it difficult to 'read' social cues. Driving is very social and requires a driver to 'see' things happening well before they actually do. This predicting skill is very difficult for the Asperger driver as they may find reading the other driver's intentions difficult.
Sequencing skills:
Driving is a complex task that requires a driver to 'sift' out the important from the unimportant information. Prioritizing is difficult when so much visual and verbal information is being taken in for a AS driver. Sensory overload is very common.
Turn taking:
AS drivers often have difficulty in situations that require the predicting and sequencing skills discussed. An example of this can be roundabouts. In fact many will say it scares them to use a roundabout. This is often due to the unpredictable nature of other drivers. In a perfect world if everyone followed the rules these situations would flow well. An AS driver is expecting everyone else to 'follow the rules'. Teaching them how to take turns and recognize the signs that someone is breaking the rules helps them understand difference.
Problem solving skills:
It is important to help the AS driver work through the skill of problem solving. That there is more than one answer and it may not always fit in with their perception of what should be done.