Good idea for teen/adult AS drivers

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Good idea for teen/adult AS drivers
1
Thu, 01-10-2008 - 11:09pm

I heard Deborah Lipsky speak tonight about autism/Asperger's. She was diagnosed two years ago at age 46yrs as HFA. She mentioned an incident she had getting pulled over for failing to signal when changing lanes while driving. The cop had come up fast behind her, making her nervous, and then she accidentally hit the windshield wipers while trying to find the turn signal in the rental car she was driving. After the cop turned on his lights, she decided to change lanes without the signal. She was very nervous, and she tried to tell the police officer that she was autistic. He told her she wasn't, which of course made her more nervous and the situation worse.

Since then, she's begun carrying a letter on official letterhead that explains her diagnosis and identifies an advocate that can be called if she becomes too unable to communicate. The letter is wrapped around her driver's license, so if she's asked for her driver's license, the letter automatically gets handed over, too. I thought that was such a great idea!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 01-10-2008 - 11:32pm

Cool but wrapped around the drivers licence may not be a great idea if they have a check book or debit card. Often the licence is requested and my kids have such bad executive function it would be lost the first time they had to remove it to present the license for something else.

My kids have medic alert bracelets. I have autism cards but an autism card with perhaps the advocates name on it would be a good idea. In addition police are supposed to know about checking for medic alert but I found out that doesn't always happen unless it is a medical emergency. Had a police issue with my 13yo a few weeks back.

It is definitely a good idea. Our kids need supports to help them self advocate. I like the bracelets because they don't come off and there for don't get lost.

OH, I have realized this is getting to be more of an issue now that they are getting older and we are looking into them doing more independent activities. Then you need the information out there for public servants.

Thanks for the reminder.

Renee

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