Abstract

The symptomatology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make driving risky, but little is known about the on-road driving behaviour of individuals with ASD. This study assessed and compared the on-road driving performance of drivers with and without ASD, and explored how the symptomatology of ASD hinders or facilitates on-road driving performance. Sixteen drivers with ASD and 21 typically-developed drivers participated in the study. Drivers with ASD underperformed in vehicle manoeuvring, especially at left-turns, right-turns and pedestrian crossings. However, drivers with ASD outperformed the TD group in aspects related to rule-following such as using the indicator at roundabouts and checking for cross-traffic when approaching intersections. Drivers with ASD in the current study presented with a range of capabilities and weaknesses during driving.

Citation

Chee, D.Y., Lee, H.C., Patomella, A-H., & Falkmer, T. (2017). Driving behaviour profile of drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47, 2658-2670. doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3178-1