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Driving

NAS75423

My 16 year old cousin has Phelan-McDermid syndrome so he is on the spectrum and would love to drive. He won’t be able to drive due to his abilities we don’t know what to do as we can’t change his mind.  Has anyone came across this before or have any alternatives? We were thinking when he’s old enough to drive that we would take him out to somewhere safe where there is no one about and let him attempt to drive to show him that he can’t drive. Does anyone have any other ideas?

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  • I think taking him out somewhere safe is a good idea. The most important thing is that he doesnt feel any pressure on him. Driving for those of us on the spectrum is one of the most difficult things to do. There are so many things to think about at once, controlling the car, the unpredictable behaviour of other drivers, road signals etc. It is the ultimate sensory overload. 

    Im 34 and still cant drive but thats not to say your cousin wont. The fact that you know he is autistic now will really help. No one knew I was autistic when I tried to learn to drive

    Also there are specialist spectrum trained driving instructors now as well who may be able to help. If you google autistic driving instructor you might find someone 

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  • I think taking him out somewhere safe is a good idea. The most important thing is that he doesnt feel any pressure on him. Driving for those of us on the spectrum is one of the most difficult things to do. There are so many things to think about at once, controlling the car, the unpredictable behaviour of other drivers, road signals etc. It is the ultimate sensory overload. 

    Im 34 and still cant drive but thats not to say your cousin wont. The fact that you know he is autistic now will really help. No one knew I was autistic when I tried to learn to drive

    Also there are specialist spectrum trained driving instructors now as well who may be able to help. If you google autistic driving instructor you might find someone 

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