The Potential for Autonomous Vehicle Technologies To Address Barriers to Driving for Individuals With Autism

Rodier, Caroline · 2020 · ROSA P / Mineta Transportation Institute

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Summary

This report by Caroline Rodier examines the barriers to driving and independent mobility faced by adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and evaluates the potential of autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies to mitigate these challenges. The study is motivated by the significant gap in independent living outcomes for adults with autism compared to the general population and other disabled groups. Data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study indicates that individuals with autism have lower rates of post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Crucially, only about one-third of adults with autism hold a driver’s license, and many rely heavily on parents for transportation, a support system that diminishes as parents age. With high-quality public transit often unavailable in lower-density areas where many individuals with autism reside, driving remains essential for accessing work, healthcare, and social activities. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature linking diagnostic factors of autism to driving performance, categorized by the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) levels of automation (0–5). The report analyzes how specific challenges associated with autism—such as deficits in executive functioning (working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility), social-cognitive perception, and sensory-motor integration—affect driving skills. It synthesizes findings from exploratory studies, including simulator-based assessments and surveys, which demonstrate that individuals with autism often struggle with hazard identification, particularly social hazards involving pedestrians and other drivers, as well as vehicle operation and speed regulation. The findings reveal that while fully autonomous vehicles (SAE Level 5) could theoretically eliminate driving barriers, they are not currently feasible due to technological and infrastructural limitations. However, lower levels of automation offer immediate solutions. The report identifies that occupational therapists certified for driving rehabilitation (OT-DRS) can effectively evaluate driving competency and identify specific impairments. It suggests that SAE Levels 0–2 technologies, such as warning systems and adaptive steering or braking, can be integrated into driver training to address specific deficits. Furthermore, SAE Level 4 automation is highlighted as a promising option for expanding affordable transit access in lower-density environments, provided vehicles operate under specific conditions like good weather and road quality. The significance of this research lies in its policy recommendations for improving mobility and independence for adults with autism. Rodier advocates for mandatory driving evaluations and specialized training involving AV technologies for adolescents and adults with autism. She recommends that public funding, currently available for physical disability adaptations, should be extended to subsidize the purchase of vehicles equipped with recommended autonomous technologies if deemed necessary for safe driving. Additionally, the report calls for public subsidies for ride-hailing services when transit is not feasible and urges further research to evaluate the effectiveness of these AV interventions and pilot programs.

Key finding

Individuals with autism demonstrate significantly weaker performance in simulated driving tasks and identify fewer social hazards compared to non-autistic peers due to deficits in executive function and social-cognitive perception.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

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• acceptance adoption
• mci dementia driving

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• Methodological Resource: tool software
• Theoretical Contribution: computational model