Systematic review of factors affecting driving and motor vehicle transportation among people with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic review is to critically appraise the literature on factors affecting driving and motor vehicle transportation experiences of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to provide insight into future directions for research. Methods: Systematic searches of eight databases identified 22 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. These studies were analysed in terms of the characteristics of the participants, methodology, results of the study and quality of the evidence. Results: Among the 22 studies, 2919 participants (364 individuals with ASD; 2555 parents of youth with ASD; mean age of person with ASD = 17.3) were represented, across six countries. Studies (n = 13) focused on factors affecting driving, including challenges in obtaining a licence, driving confidence, driving behaviours and strategies to improve driving skills. In regards to factors related to public and/or school transportation, nine studies explored rates of transportation use, access, cost and safety. Conclusion: Our findings highlight several gaps in the research and an urgent need for further transportation-related training and supports for people with ASD.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Many people with ASD encounter challenges in obtaining a driver’s licence, driving confidence and driving performance compared to those without ASD.

• Several strategies can be useful when teaching people with ASD to drive including direct communication, encouraging coping mechanisms, breaking down tasks and providing regular and consistent driving lessons.

• Clinicians and educators should advocate for further transportation-related training and supports for people with ASD.

• More research is needed from the perspective of people with ASD to understand their experiences and the particular challenges that they encounter in obtaining a licence and navigating public transportation.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• driving
• motor vehicle review
• transportation

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the TRAIL lab staff and volunteers who contributed to the preparation of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.