Learning to Drive with Neurodevelopmental Differences (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Research Institute)

Description:

Learning to Drive with Neurodevelopmental Differences - Experts at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP )recommend that families answer the following questions before their adolescent or young adult with neurodevelopmental differences begins the learning-to-drive process:

• Do you feel your child consistently demonstrates good judgment and maturity at school, around peers, and at home?
• Is your child receptive to constructive criticism and instruction?
• Does your child demonstrate rules of the road knowledge and other skills taught in driver education classes? If not, does your child need specialized instruction or a driving assessment?
• Is your child agreeable to practicing driving with a skilled adult prior to driving independently? If so, is there an adult willing and able to serve in this important role?
• Are there any medical or behavioral conditions (such as untreated seizures) that may prevent your child from driving safely?
• Are there medical interventions that may be needed to ensure safe driving behaviors?

This article also shares some recommendations for families when their child is readyto begin driver's ed and parent-supervised practice.