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40 Challenges and Concerns for Autistic Drivers
Driving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for anyone, but for individuals on the autism spectrum, it can come with its own unique set of challenges. From sensory overload to difficulties in judging distance and speed, many autistic drivers face obstacles that may make driving feel daunting or even unmanageable. Whether it’s the fear of unpredictable situations, struggles with multitasking, or navigating unfamiliar roads, autistic drivers often experience heightened anxiety behind the wheel.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top challenges and concerns autistic drivers face, offering insight into why these issues arise and how they can be managed. Whether you’re an autistic individual learning to drive or someone supporting a loved one on the spectrum, understanding these common concerns can help make the driving experience safer, less stressful, and more empowering.
Top Challenges and Concerns for Autistic Drivers
Difficulty handling multiple factors at once while driving
“There are a ton of factors and I’m struggling to handle them all.”Anxiety and fear of unpredictability on the road
“I find it to be incredibly stressful and too unpredictable so I just haven’t been in a rush to get my license.”Poor sense of speed and distance, leading to trouble at intersections
“Very poor sense of how fast things are going and how far away they are so just cannot pull out of a junction unless there is not a single other car in sight.”Overstimulation and distractions making it hard to focus
“I get so focused on my surroundings that I don’t even register what’s happening.”Struggles with spatial awareness and proximity to other vehicles
“I can’t properly gauge how close they are to me without losing focus of what’s in front of me.”Difficulty processing auditory and visual information while driving
“I was trying to explain to my father that having him talk to me while I was driving was too distracting and I needed him to shut up or get out of the car.”Sensory overload (e.g., bright lights, loud noises) impacting driving
“The amount of times I had to pull over because my shirt or my sock was wrong is just too many to count haha.”Problems with multitasking while driving (e.g., checking mirrors, managing speed)
“Look left, right, front, back, don’t go too fast, don’t go too slow!”Anxiety about failing driving tests due to panic or sensory overload
“I failed two times and on the third time when I passed they clapped for me when I got back after the test.”Overwhelm in high-traffic situations leading to meltdowns
“Being in traffic can really send me into a meltdown.”Trouble making quick decisions in high-pressure driving scenarios
“I either wait too long or not judge it at all and nearly cut someone up. Never in between.”Fear of other drivers’ impatience and aggressive behavior
“I stay in the lane I’m in & keep much distance while not accelerating too much because the moment you do the other drivers take offense.”Difficulty handling complex road layouts and unfamiliar routes
“I don’t know how I’m expected to know what lanes I’m meant to be in and figure it out in the time it takes to get into them.”Struggles with motor skills and coordination while driving
“I can’t figure out which pedal is which and I almost drove into a child during training.”Anxiety in making left turns, especially at busy intersections
“I hate making left turns at busy intersections and will go out of my way to avoid them.”Over-reliance on public transport or cycling due to driving challenges
“I rely on the bus or rides from loved ones.”Difficulty transitioning from passenger to driver, needing quiet or minimal distractions
“I don’t have a good sense of where my tires are at… I also don’t like to drive my friends around because they keep trying to talk to me.”Need for routine and familiar routes to reduce stress while driving
“I have certain ‘tried and trusted’ routes to and from most places that don’t make sense to most people I know.”Sensitivity to honking or other noises from impatient drivers
“It took a really long time to stop getting upset when people honk their horns.”Difficulty judging time and space when changing lanes or turning
“If you look in the rearview mirror and can still see the headlights you have enough room to move over.”Night driving and driving in poor weather (e.g., rain, snow) causing stress
“I hate driving at night. Or in heavy rain!”Anxiety and sensory overload in parking situations
“Parking is one of the biggest obstacles for me.”Trouble learning to drive due to unsupportive instructors or family members
“My first driving instructor took advantage of me, always cancelling or holding me back.”Sensory sensitivities to vehicle vibrations, noise, or temperature affecting driving ability
“If my clothes are wrong, I can’t drive. If my seat is wrong, I can’t drive.”Overthinking driving as dangerous, leading to avoidance or reliance on others
“I don’t enjoy being in a car. The speed bothers me. I’m sitting there, pressing pedals with my feet, and hurtling down a paved road.”Challenges with defensive driving and anticipating other drivers’ behavior
“Defensive driving courses can teach you how to create enough space to deal with them.”Issues with zoning out or dissociating while driving
“Sometimes my brain will just semi-dissociate and go into hyper driving mode.”Feeling overwhelmed by processing multiple stimuli at once
“Too many unpredictable variables when driving, and too many things to pay attention to.”Preference for larger vehicles due to a feeling of safety
“Driving 95 mph in multiple lanes of highway traffic is a vibe, especially with loud music playing.”Struggles with left-right orientation while driving
“I failed my first exam because I confused my left and right.”Trouble following verbal directions while driving
“If someone tells me to take the next left, I’ll start going to turn the moment they say it, no matter how far away we are from the turn.”Difficulty driving in big cities due to unpredictability and heavy traffic
“Driving in big cities is scary… if I find myself getting lost, I start getting panicky inside, sweaty, anxious, nervous.”Feeling of guilt or inadequacy for relying on others for transportation
“I feel guilty because my partner is driving us everywhere.”Stress from navigating through parking lots and complex road systems
“Last time I was practicing parking, I suddenly forgot which pedal was the brake.”Difficulty handling the paperwork and logistics of car ownership
“There are a lot of documents and paperwork and details to figure out and stay on top of.”Tendency to rely on tried-and-trusted routes to avoid stress
“I don’t want the fastest route, I want the least stressful one, I don’t care if it adds ten minutes.”Hyper-focus on certain aspects of driving while neglecting others (e.g., speed vs. road)
“If I’m watching my speed, I am literally watching the speedometer and not the road.”Lack of desire or motivation to drive due to fear of failure or accidents
“I thought I’d better not learn because I’m clumsy and don’t want to hurt anyone.”Strong preference for driving alone due to overstimulation with passengers
“I drive with the windows closed and no music. I try to drive during times of low traffic.”Avoidance of driving due to past accidents or near-misses
“I once drove into an ambulance that had its lights and sirens on… after that I refused to get behind the wheel again.”
Tips to Overcome the Challenges Autistic Drivers Face
Several helpful tips emerged for overcoming the challenges autistic drivers often face. A key strategy is to start slowly and build confidence gradually. Many found it helpful to begin with simple tasks, like driving in low-traffic areas or focusing on mastering one skill at a time—whether it’s parking, making turns, or driving on the highway. This slow and steady approach helps build familiarity without feeling overwhelmed.
Another common tip is to stick to familiar routes and plan your journey in advance. Knowing the roads and where you need to go can significantly reduce anxiety. Some drivers also recommend using GPS or Google Maps to get a clear visual of the route ahead of time, which can make lane changes and exits feel less stressful.
For those sensitive to sensory overload, reducing distractions inside the car is essential. Using noise-canceling headphones or wearing sunglasses, for example, can help block out unwanted sensory input. Playing soothing music at a low volume can also ease the anxiety that comes from traffic noise or unexpected sounds.
Since driving can be mentally and physically exhausting for some, taking frequent breaks is important. Short breaks help drivers recharge, especially when faced with long or challenging trips. Many autistic drivers also find comfort in creating a routine around their driving. Sticking to specific routes, driving times, and rituals helps reduce the unpredictability that often triggers stress.
Defensive driving was another commonly suggested strategy. By keeping extra space between cars, driving cautiously, and anticipating other drivers’ actions, drivers can navigate the road more safely. Some even recommended taking a defensive driving course to better handle unpredictable situations in traffic.
To minimize stress, many people avoid driving during peak hours when traffic is heaviest. Opting for quieter, off-peak times can make the experience far less overwhelming. Visual reminders, like sticky notes or checklists in the car, can also be useful for keeping track of important driving tasks, like checking mirrors or using turn signals.
Instructors who specialize in teaching autistic drivers, or those with a patient and understanding approach, can make a big difference as well. And for those struggling with driving-related anxiety, working with a therapist or occupational therapist can provide valuable support and strategies for managing sensory sensitivities and staying focused on the road.
Ultimately, one of the best pieces of advice is to take things at your own pace. There’s no need to rush. Whether it takes weeks, months, or even years, what matters most is building confidence and finding a rhythm that works for you. With time and patience, driving can become a more manageable and even empowering experience.
