I saw another client this week, let’s call him Matt, who has been really impacted by starting driving lessons with a standard driving instructor, and without input from a Driver-Trained Occupational Therapist. After hearing his story, I really think we need to get the word out to help others understand the impact.
Matt’s general OT had been working with him, developing life skills and supporting with readiness for driving (learning road rules, reviewing learner driver education material and Prep Ls). When he got his Learners, they searched for a driving instructor who would suit his needs, and found a driving instructor who’d said they were “specialised” and had lots of experience working with people with autism.
But… all it took was one, single driving lesson with this instructor, and Matt’s confidence, hopes, and motivation to learn to drive was completely shattered. Being neurodivergent, Matt has different learning needs to someone who is neurotypical. Matt was quickly overwhelmed with this instructors’ approach to lessons, and when he didn’t understand something, felt that the driving instructor only got more frustrated, demanding and heated in his communication with him. By the end of the lesson, Matt’s anxiety was through the roof, he didn’t want to do another lesson, and concluded he would never learn to drive. It was devastating.
Over a year later, with a whole heap of support and encouragement from his general OT, Matt agreed to give driving a try again. But this time, he was referred to Driving Well for a Potential to Drive assessment. This assessment is run across two sessions to allow time to explore an individual’s needs and readiness for learning to drive. Matt was so proud of himself in the second session when, despite his high anxiety about driving since his first experience, he was able to manage a driving lesson in a calm and supported environment. The outcome from his assessment was that, yes while his disability may impact his learning to drive, he does have potential to learn to drive with specialised supports in place. He was recommended driving therapy supports and specialised driving lessons, which he was over the moon excited about.
Unfortunately “regular” driving instructors often don’t have the knowledge, skills and experience to train someone who is neurodiverse. As OT Driving Assessors, we are linked in with driving instructors who underwent specialised training with driver trained OTs to understand and support people who are neurodiverse to learn to drive. These instructors are aware of learning preferences of people who are neurodiverse, and adjust their approach to suit their needs. We work closely with the specialised driving instructors throughout the lessons to make sure we are supporting the Learner as best we can to achieve their goals.
If you know a young person who is wanting to explore learning to drive, go to our website for more information or get in touch with our practice manager on 0407 671 621 or on admin@drivingwell.com.au
