A 2013 research study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders compared the performance of 10 teen males with ASD diagnoses with those of 10 neurotypical teens using a driving simulator.   The researchers sought to ascertain the differences in driving behavior between the two groups.

“Although it is speculated that impairments associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will adversely affect driving performance, little is known about the actual extent and nature of the presumed deficits”, the authors write.

While the results showed insignificant differences between the two groups in terms of crashes or lane deviations, there was one area of concern revealed in the study.

Using eye-tracking technology, the researchers found that, under high cognitive demand, the subjects with ASD “showed a gaze pattern suggestive of a diversion of visual attention away from high stimulus areas of the roadway”.  In other words, the more complex the driving situation, the less time an autistic teen spends looking at the areas he needs to pay attention to most.  This is counter to safe driving.

The study suggests that drivers with autism may shift their visual attention away from the most complex areas of their driving environment when the demands on their driving increase.  Given this, novice drivers with ASD should receive specific training to address and counter this behavior.  Modern Driver Institute already incorporates this training for all of its students – contact us to learn more.

Source:

Reimer, B., Fried, R., Mehler, B., Joshi, G., Bolfek, A., Godfrey, K., & … Biederman, J. (2013). Brief Report: Examining Driving Behavior in Young Adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study Using a Driving Simulation Paradigm. Journal Of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 43(9), 2211-2217.