Should Aspies drive?

[Loner]

I really need to learn how to dive if want to leave the area and finaly start having my own life but my mom and no one els will teach me beacuse I have aspergers, she said That because I am aspie diveing is just to dangerus for me and everone on the raod. I am really getting mad her over this(there is no other way for me to get any ware unless I can walk to it and there not much here that I can reach)and I want to know if any of this is true or not, Because I dont think she did any research and just being overproteded and need to learn to just let go and let me leave.

Sorry I am in a really frusting postion right now it has bin going for a year.

 

[vespasia]

Driving should be viewed as a privalage rather than a right. You have not said how old you are. If you are classed as an adult LEGALY where you live it might be worth talking with disability advocates who can advise you as to your rights.
Most people with ASD especially those further in the spectrum do NOT drive as its such hard work to do.
You have to juggle noise, glares and smells on top of predicting what others MAY do on top of what your meant to do.

I drive with a full UK license (thats harder to get than one in the USA) I also did not bother driving till my mid 20's as i had no NEED to learn , I could walk or cycle or use public transport. My job meant I HAD to learn.

Its more a case of how well you can 'predict' what other road users will do to how safe you will be on the road. If you struggle on a pavement with people moving slow then that might be why your parents are concerned.
If your dyspraxic or struggle with directions that could be another reason.

You have to be able to make some pretty snap decisions waited against traffic laws for your country/state as well as knowing what the rules are supposed to be.
Remember it might not be you that your parents are so worried about its all the other idiots on the road driving lethal weapons (cars) that scare them.

Have a look what options DO exist.
Horse riding
Bicycle
Public Transport
Hiking

Temple Grandin is autistic and she drives mind you she is also a PhD.

 

[uniquetadpole]

I really need to learn how to dive if want to leave the area and finaly start having my own life but my mom and no one els will teach me beacuse I have aspergers, she said That because I am aspie diveing is just to dangerus for me and everone on the raod. I am really getting mad her over this(there is no other way for me to get any ware unless I can walk to it and there not much here that I can reach)and I want to know if any of this is true or not, Because I dont think she did any research and just being overproteded and need to learn to just let go and let me leave.

Sorry I am in a really frusting postion right now it has bin going for a year.

My parents made me learn to drive when I was 16. I didn't want to...I was terrified of my distractability and the responsibility that goes with the priviledge of driving.

I see that you are 20... that does make you a leagal adult. As for your mom not teaching you... I am not there and can not see her real reason... Aspies do drive and many dive just fine...but boy is it hard work for me.

In my opinion... I would call your states DMV depratment. They would be able to get you into contact with an adult driver's ed program in your area. There is no law against driving and as an Aspie I know that if you want something bad enough and end up focused on that as your special interest you will tend to do it better than the average person. SO I would say...go through the program...see what getting your license actaully entails... take the test... if the driving instructor doesn't feel you are capable of driving he won't pass you. You do also need to go through the motions and see how difficult learning to drive is for you... if you find it to be more of a challenge than it is worth then you will have your answer there too.

As for getting your mom on your side and having her at least get you to driving school and all... you might want to consider asking her if she would at least let you take driving lessons to see if an expert thinks you do have what it takes...because like I said if you don't then you will not pass the course. And the state won't give you your liscence unless you can prove your skills...then that takes the responsibility off of your mom of teching you herself. (besides parents teaching their kids to drive racks everyones nerves)...take the initiative and make the call yourself... and get the facts before she has a chance to argue...personally I would give you the oppotunity to at least find out if you could at least handle a vehicle out on a farm so to speak...I mean what if there was an emergency that arose and you were the only one that was physically capable of driving to get help or something...at least a basic know how is helpful even if it doesn't result in your license. Hey it is worth a shot...

Tad

 

[createcoms]

Loner, I think this is a self-analysing issue(ie you must gauge yourself). I'm an aspie, and aside from some interesting things during my learning-to-drive phase I'm now pretty confident. I cannot have the stereo going at anything but super-quiet when I'm on the highway because it's too difficult to process the high speed driving and music at the same time but around town I create a nuisance with my loud sounds and subwoofer just like all the other young hoons or "boy racers" as they term 'em here.

I just got my second car, it was so funny because I was that excited I forgot how to get back onto the motorway from where I had picked up the car - took me a while to get out And then being a new car, I was really stressed/full of anxiety because the feeling of being in it was strange, the same sort of stress I get when I do non-routine things (I believe this is tied with AS) but after a few drives I'm sweet now. Enjoying the extra power it has!


Should get a sticker for the back window, keep your distance - CRAZY ASPIE DRIVING!!!

 

[Mirelys]

I shouldn't drive I'm pretty much okay on the highway, but I'm a hazard even in my small town.
However, that's highly individual (even I might be okay if I practiced enough)---you never know until you try.