Asperger's and driving - Asperger's Syndrome Message Board

Oma61 · 07-09-2003, 10:57 AM

Anybody out there know of any Asperger/HFA people who have a driver's license and the ability to drive? I don't hear much about issues with Asperger teens or adults and driving. I often wonder what will happen w/ my daughter when she gets to driving age. Unless she matures significantly in the motor control and memory areas, I think it would be unwise for her to drive. She's young yet, but I still think about this.

Any experience with this issue?

Sundance_Dawn · 07-10-2003, 07:39 AM

I don't know about Asperger's, but the symptoms of Nonverbal Learning Disorders are very similar to Asperger's and most people with NVLD have quite a few issues with driving (in particular with handling traffic and parking).

However, AFAIK one of the differences between NVLD and AS is that AS kids don't have the same visual/spatial difficulties, and since these are the cause for the driving problems, it might not affect AS kids quite as badly.

[This message has been edited by Sundance_Dawn (edited 07-10-2003).]

Oma61 · 07-10-2003, 09:13 AM

Thanks for your reply! I hear so much info on children with AS, but just don't hear enough on what to expect when they are teens or adults.

Sundance_Dawn · 07-10-2003, 09:36 AM

You're welcome, this article might help you, it's a comparison of NVLD and AS and also goes into development past childhood etc. I have some nonverbal learning issues myself (as well as auditory processing problems) and the article made a lot of sense to me!
[url="http://www.nldline.com/yvonna.htm"]http://www.nldline.com/yvonna.htm[/url]

Oma61 · 07-10-2003, 09:50 AM

Thanks again...I bookmarked the page!

Do you drive? What kind of issues did you have as a child...if you don't mind my asking??? Sometimes I just don't know what to expect for my daughter...she has a lot of issues. Many learning issues, especially in reading, remembering things, and relaying information to me. She is very verbal and has a large vocabulary, but is terrible at putting words together to have a really good conversation...although she has no problem putting words together to make her needs known. She is also very uncoordinated...runs into walls, doors, falls a lot. She can ride a bike now, but doesn't really like it...she would rather swing, collect "nature" or play with animals (not very gently, either!).