A Driver Training Program Intervention for Student Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial

J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 Oct;51(10):3707-3721. doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04825-5. Epub 2021 Jan 3.

Abstract

The purpose of this multi-site randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Driving Training Program, an intervention designed for student drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were 72 student drivers with ASD (ages 16-31) who were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. Student drivers received ten driving lessons with a professional driving instructor via a standardised driving route. The Driving Performance Checklist was used as the outcome measure to evaluate the driving performance of student drivers during on-road pre- and post-observational drives. Both groups showed an improvement in driving performance, however, the extent of improvement between groups was not significant. Findings showed promising intervention efficacy for training student drivers with ASD to drive.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Community mobility; Driving training; Learner drivers; Transportation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / therapy
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Humans
  • Students
  • Young Adult