Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, I am an adult living with high functioning autisim I was diagnosed when I was 7.I am now 27, living with my mum, who has helped me with everything in life. I guess now that I'm becoming more independent in some things.I feel I'm not being supported by my family with my aspirations in life. The major one is learning to drive.But as I have said my mum has helped me with everything major in life. As and now I feel I cant move forward because she will have toGo through it with me. And she is just tired now. I need her help but I dont want to Force her through this process of me learning to drive. I'm ready and eager I'm 27! She is in her 50's and tired now and it is understandable. I have talked to her about what I want to pursue in life.But it either goes into a argument or she doesn't say anything.I am very grateful for having a mum like my mum in my life I would be lost honestly.I just need her acknowledgement Even just to say "yes I will help you when it comes to it"
Have you looked at those driving schools for underage 16-year olds where you get to drive the car on an old aerodrome or car park somewhere? It can be easier to have a couple of lessons like that without any other road traffic to familiarise yourself with the operation of a car before throwing yourself into the normal road traffic situation.
The usually offer lessons to people too young to drive on the road so they can take their driving test on their 17th birthday - but I'm sure if you talk to them they would be happy to get you started in that low-stress environment.
Once you have the confidence in your abilities, then book up some lessons with normal driving instructors.
I like the sound of getting familiar with the whole process of driving in a car park or something then slowly ease in to normal driving. But I'm not actually under 16 I'm 27. Also another big thing for me is that there seems to be know one in my area who teaches people with disabilities how to drive.
They also give lessons to nervous drivers - not just those under 17 - find your local one and have a talk with them about your requirements - they will either do it or probably know someone else that does. The instructor with the understanding of people with disabilities may be good too.