Viewpoints on driving of individuals with and without autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the viewpoints of drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial in the development of mobility support and driver training that is responsive to their needs. Methods: Fifty young adults with ASD and fifty seven typically developed adults participated in the study to form a contrasting group. Q-methodology was used to understand viewpoints on driving as a main mode of transportation. Data were analysed using a PQ by-person varimax rotation factor analysis. Results: Although some ASD participants perceived themselves as confident and independent drivers, others preferred other modes of transportation such as public transport and walking. Anxiety was also found to be a barrier to driving. The contrast group revealed consistent viewpoints on their driving ability. They preferred driving as their main mode of transportation and believed that they were competent, safe and independent drivers. Conclusion: These results are important in the planning of transport policies and driver training for individuals with ASD. Driver training manuals can be developed to address anxiety issues, hazard perception and navigation problems in the ASD population. Their use of public transport could be further facilitated through more inclusive transport policies.

• Anxiety
• autism spectrum disorders
• driving
• public transport
• Q-methodology

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the participants and their families, Carmela Germano at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), Tim Parkin and Gal Rose of AIM employment of the Autism Association of Western Australia for additional data processing.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

This research was supported by Curtin University, Perth, Australia and the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.