2. Kent’s Story

This book does not assume that driving is right for every autistic person; rather, it is written for those who want to drive but face barriers that can be addressed with the right supports.

Kent was 26 years old when he first came to my center, Autism Health! He was living with his aging parents and was not yet able to access employment, higher education, or driving—common barriers for many autistic adults navigating systems not designed for them. Kent was admittedly bored and said he resorted to gaming all night and sleeping during the day to fill his time.

As a clinician, I knew that folks on the autism spectrum have higher rates of certain health conditions that may result in more brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty focusing–things not usually addressed yet in our conventional health care system– to name a few. Once underlying health concerns were identified and better supported (as addressed in my popular first book, The Un-Prescription for Autism), Kent experienced improvements in energy, focus, and overall well-being. He began to experience improved clarity, stamina, and ability to engage with daily tasks. He became successfully employed with a national chain retailer and enjoyed his job, although his parents had to take him to and from work for every shift. The system was still not set up to recognize his barriers and support his driving goals. (Sound familiar?)

After several years of part-time work, his employer offered Kent a full-time job on the condition that he get a driver’s license and a car. In communities like Kent’s where driving is required to access work, education, and healthcare, not being able to drive can significantly limit opportunities and increase dependence on others for transportation. (Read my article here on how car-dependent communities limit non-driving adults.)

He and his parents were crushed with disappointment because all three of them believed the opportunity would be lost due to limited access to appropriate supports. With the same strategies I share in this book, Kent got his license and accepted that full-time job! His parents sleep easier now, knowing it will be more likely for him to live independently when they are gone.

ASD teens and adults may face invisible barriers that can deter them from driving, such as:

Some may experience co-occurring medical conditions—such as inflammatory, gastrointestinal, or immune-related issues—that can affect sleep, energy, and mood.
Physical barriers such as poor coordination, reflexes, and differences in visual processing
Executive functioning differences that can affect planning, task-switching, and multitasking
Cognitive styles such as more literal interpretation; and differences in perspective-taking that may affect interpreting other drivers’ behavior
Mental health barriers: ASD individuals may struggle with anxiety and mood-related challenges, often linked to chronic stress and lack of accommodation
Over-medication and polypharmacy (taking multiple prescription medications at the same time)
Sensory processing differences that can make certain aspects of driving overwhelming at times

As an autism mom, I’ve lived the autism life up-close-and-personal, and this sets my book apart. Readers know my credibility goes far beyond my clinical work at Autism Health, and my experience with the West Virginia State Rehabilitation Council; my connection with readers as an autism parent is personal and powerful. I’ve seen firsthand how a driver’s license increases access to the world and lowers barriers to employment, higher education, and helps you connect with your community and the world.

Because it includes the viewpoints and experiences of #actuallyautistic teens and adults, their families, doctors, therapists, researchers, and driving professionals, Behind the Wheel with ASD offers well-rounded, sound, and valuable strategies and tactics. A true ACTION PLAN.

My approach addresses the IMMEDIATE NEED of the hundreds of thousands of autistic teens and adults who are tired of waiting for a ride and are ready for an opportunity to expand their independence, their options, and their access to opportunities that matter to them. Having a PLAN will put many of you on the road with a driver’s license if that is your goal.

I cite the current research and interview those on the front lines of teaching autistic teens and adults to drive. I bring insight from the largest automakers and car insurance companies, and the experience and advice of police and emergency personnel. Wrap all that up with guidance from occupational and physical therapists, alongside the lived expertise of autistic drivers and learners themselves, and it’s a winning combination of insight, action plan, and most of all, hope. Over the space of eleven chapters, from the first step to the last, readers learn exactly what they need to do, and how. Check in next time to see who may benefit from this book. (Hint: Not just autistic teens and adults, but parents and professionals, too!)

Want to See the Research?