Hello everyone.
Today (Friday 14th February), I was helping my dad find a suitable replacement for his 9-year-old Ford Mondeo large family car. There were so many suitable replacements to choose from, that I felt nervous, stressed, and at times I broke down in tears. I am an autistic person after all, and anything that a non-autistic person would find difficult would be a nightmare to me, and possibly any car drivers with autism for that matter.
Large family cars were considered, but some of them were unavailable or too expensive at the time. Diesel cars were considered, but following lengthy and stressful discussions, it was too much of a financial risk, especially if their particulate filters needed expensive replacement.
There was no way I was going to let my dad take any chances in owning any car. I didn't want it to be too big, too small, or generally unsuitable. In the end, we decided to own a petrol-engined small people carrier of early 2011 specification called a Ford C-Max. Being 6 feet 5 inches tall, I find getting in and out of such vehicles so much easier, especially in car park spaces. My dad will find parking so much easier due to its smaller, narrower size, and both my parents are bound to praise me highly for the lower insurance, fuel and tax costs it will bring.
I see myself as a hero for finding a suitable car, and improving my parents' financial situation. If this is a problem to normal people, it can be a real nightmare to autistic people as well.
