I actually think my Asperger's has made me a safer driver. I tend to notice things that other people don't because my sensory issues. Everything gets priority in my mind
@@resulsanane4506 I do not think it is possible for me to make accidents, even under heavy speeds because I plan far away, but with one issue, I have amazing tunnel vision.
There was a time when Asperger's was all lumped under one term: "weird". And for the first 30 years of my life, I was just plain "weird" until someone finally found a name for it and called it Asperger's.
35 years working at FedEx. Trust me, transportation industries have a very healthy percentage of drivers on the autism spectrum. It requires independence and focus, no office conflict or politics, short feedback and reward loops, and your real life isn't the job. Oddly enough, driving can be its own hyper-focused trance - always a little bit farther, a little bit longer. It can lead to accepting abuse from mgmt and dispatchers who are happy to make you stay on the road longer than a non-autistic person would accept.
Indeed, I found out I was Aspie at age 44, now nearly 50, I have driven virtually every kind of vehicle there is and excel at it. But this stemmed from me being given a pedal tractor and trailer at age 4 and driving it around, reversing it and the precision required become a special interest to me, this then progressed through my father getting a ride on lawnmower and me using that from age 7. So Aspie can be amazingly good drivers, but likewise I imagine they could also be really bad.
living with asperger's has been difficult for me and this Dr imenherbal I meet on channel makes me feel great that someone knows what my life is like ...
I don't know about other adults with Aspergers, but personally I found driving very overwhelming initially. With practice I learned how to construct my own mental filters so that I can prioritize where my attention goes. I suspect that NT folks don't need to have to train themselves to have a mental filter or to consciously create one. I find I have to adjust those filters when I am familiarizing myself with a new area I haven't driven through before. (In case anyone thinks I am a terrible driver, I have been driving for 20yrs now and have a perfect driving record.)
I was so anxious when I started that I asked my parents to take my car away from me! But so far I’ve never been in an accident where I was at fault, and I’ve even been a delivery driver.
This is what I'm struggling with right now. I am finding it hard to "become one with the car" so I can focus on the more important part of driving, looking at everything outside the car.
I got zoned out a lot while driving. But I was able to trained myself to focus to traffic lights and signs, etc. But I'm still only comfortable driving in the same road everyday. When I have to go through a new road, it's terrifying.
living with asperger's has been difficult for me and this Dr imenherbal I meet on channel makes me feel great that someone knows what my life is like ...
yes! feels like sliding into an overall with tools at all the limbs. The car is an extension of me. (I've got a Suzuki Swift, 4 cilinder with racing steer) I got a motor licence which made me a better car driver. I know where to point that hyper focus at. Enjoy your freedom Sonny :)
Aspie here. Been driving for 15 years now. I was diagnosed very late, many years after getting my driver’s license. The idea of driving was overwhelming because of all the details. But I always had faith in my ability to learn fast. Break it down, start from the beginning, practice until you get it and then you will know you are safe. You will feel safe because, once you know what to do and when to do it, you will be in control of the car. It’s called driving a car for a reason. You will be able to control your body just fine. Trust yourself. Once you understand how the car works and what does what, in a way that makes sense - to you - all will be fine. Ask the questions you feel like asking, no matter how “weird”. This is the practical advice I can give. Get a patient instructor who is also a nice person. Customise. I don’t like loud music when driving, so I don’t allow anyone to turn it up. I have the same scent for my car fresheners since forever. I don’t drive faster or slower than the speed that makes me comfortable (but respect speed limits). I never had an accident because now, when I get in, I feel like the car becomes my extension. It’s all in the mindset. You can treat it like something that gives you independence, something worth putting the time and effort to learn. Or like just another source of anxiety and overstimulation. Be eager not afraid. Trust yourself that you can do better. If you want something, don’t quit, even if you had a bad day, go again. Remember that nothing is stronger than Aspie will power - listen, if we have the power to obsess episodically on a multitude of random hobbies, that are more or less practical, but we kinda end up mastering and we get the skills, wanting or not (and then going deeper to until we get to God mode or just casually moving to the next)....Basically learn how to control the clutch and how to parallel park and you’ll be fine.
I just the same but in much more words :) extension of my body yes. Learn where to look. Trust that it will not come barreling down all at once, driving comes situation by situation and we are capable of handling each one.
For me it's about spatial awareness...I have close to none. I get bruises every day...with a car it wouldn't go well. Maybe with a lot of practice and hyperfocus
And it seems exhausting due to being constantly concentrated. I wish there were groups here. If I can't read people's intentions, cars' intentions are even more challenging!!
I drive 18 wheelers for a living...I feel grateful for the ability to do that...30 years now and have never really had any real issues...I dont know what else I would be able to do...
driving is the only thing i feel safe with. i never loose my temper, as i've always known that my car could be a killing machine. this responsibility ensures that i stay safe for myself, other road users and pedestrians. i also see things well in advance too. i've also learnt to accept the things that i can't do and embrace the things that i can.
I have aspergers and have been driving for 15 years and I’ve never caused an accident and have received only one driving citation. It’s obviously not for everyone, but I hope people do realize that autism is a spectrum. I have a full time job as a software engineer and am in grad school. Some of us have large areas of life where we appear quite normal.
I’m a very careful driver . My aspergers brain struggled with the multitasking that comes with it but with practice and a lot of work i got there. Been driving for 9 years now
I may be an Aspie - I'm not diagnozed, but I heavily relate to this problem, especially as I also might have anxiety disorder. When I prepare myself for driving, I always pre-plan everything - where to turn left or right, which lane to occupy... What's funny, is that I prefer to have someone going with me, than when I go alone 🙂 When I'm alone, I simply worry too much. But with someone, if he/she is a positive person, my brain seems to think "Everything is gonna be ok". I also prefer driving at night, for obvious reasons 🙂
driving actually makes me feel pretty good, its an intense experience, but I've learned to drive in a way that keeps me in control. Driving is a defensive exercise.
At work, I drove and averaged one accident per year (nothing was ever major). I was very open with my supervisors about the problems I was having, but this was before Asperger's was known so they thought I was making it up (to get out of driving). I was fine driving most of the time, but I had major trouble with backing up (things looked backward) or when another driver (or my co-worker) would do something unexpected. Also, I now realize that I've gone through most of my life never fully understanding other people or they me.
just passed a test for forklift ,my driving forward was impeccable but backwards really messed up with my mind and really didn't get why i can't drive backwards and i am 100% sure i have aspergers syndrome all the boxes checks in
I've always suspected that it's why I have taken 2 times more driving classes than my peers. But know I have mastered it so well, that I drive more carefully than most of them. The biggest downside is that after driving I feel exhausted as I need to constantly focus on the things that are crucial to safety - lights, lanes, signs, etc. and ignore the irrelevant stimuli.
me too, twice as many lessons but passed the first time, with a dreadful exam full of anxiety. Now I am a safe driver like you. I think because we can hyperfocus and ignore the irrelevant, like you say. I got my motor licence too which honed these skills even more. (don't ride the motor now, way too dangerous because of the other people on the road). I think we are excellent drivers! we notice so much. I do need a bit of a breather when I arrive yeah. My friends accommodate this when I visit them.
Hey Guys! I am 19years old and am a diagnosticated Asperger and im actually driving between 2-4 hours a day because my job consist of me doing it!And this is all because I have learn to calm down a lot I mean for my own experience the idea of driving when I was little and even a little bit now was simply horrible, but when I was actually doing it and doing it right it was just an instant confident boost and I think you just have to calm down a little bit, talk to yourself to keep track on what’s going on around you and when your gonna prove to yourself that you can do it your gonna feel sensational,I know everything can turn wrong we never know I have those thought too you know, but your gonna find some peace not letting anything stop you believe me
I also hard Aspergers as well as autism. And I drive for a living. Was never diagnosed but I’ve down my research on the internet. I do Uber and Lyft. I was wonder if I put my passengers in danger. It’s a dangerous job anyway doesn’t matter what’s person has. But the reason I know I have these is because I never had a relationship or friends. And I repeat the same things over and over.
Matthew Castillo Hey Matthew I would be interrested to get to know you, myself being Asperger and studying in psychology im pretty confident I can maybe help you find some tips and tricks to help you in general and make sure you are safe for you your job !!:)
@@asourcefragment9629 Is there a group for people with Asperger's? I realized this is what I had all along, and I would love to talk to other people on the spectrum. I don't have Facebook, but maybe through whatsapp that would be cool.
Nicoletta Pinewood If you ever get diagnosed by a professionnal he might give you some group ressource.I myself have never tried it because of the cost but have found other asperger in my life for satisfying that desir.the least I can do now is offering you my direct assistance
turning 25 soon, but still haven't got my Learners and it's just very overwhelming for me. I get distracted all the time and I don't want to drive but my future job requires a full licence
So I am 35 and just now I may be on the spectrum. I was tested as a child the results were I have adhd, ocd ends up I have a 150iq so almost a genius so my parents figured I was just different because I was smart. Throughout my life I have always questioned myself I recently took an AQ test and scored a 33 so I very well may be on the spectrum. So growing up I was always (and still am) obsessed with cars and driving so it's something I have always been in to. I actually started driving at the age of 3 and completely all on my own at 5 so I started very young. Looking back on it I actually think I was a better driver because of the aspergers...I could scan literally everything as far as the eye can see I would be analyzing each car to see who is moving slower or faster also their driving style (irratic, unpredictable) it was crazy...I was a street racer and honestly unbeatable I drove wide open all day long, even though I drove so fast my passengers always felt at ease they said they fell Safe when I drive. My parents were always telling me I was going to kill myself or someone else driving so fast, but I knew otherwise because where I was analyzing all the vehicles I would also be planning out escape routes in case some one would pull out in front of me or not see me and switch planes etc. I have gotten out of so many wrecks it's crazy. I remember one time going 120mph in 55 zone a car pulled right out in front of me turning left across all lanes most people would have just slammed on the brakes and hit them but I didn't even hit the brake lol I just very quickly jolted around them to the side between them and the curb. I've also gotten out of being rear ended by giving myself one car length of space when stopped (I could always feel danger zones) and by constantly checking my mirrors if I see some one was about to crash in to me right before impact I would floor it and get out of their way either to the side or just move up depending on how fast they were going and if they were stopping or not. One time I went to the side and that person hit the car infront of me. I could go on but ill spare you lol basically yes you can drive if you have Aspergers it just depends on how far in on the spectrum they're at and also if they're interested in driving or not, because you know anything they enjoy or are interested in they're going to know everything about it (for the most part).
I'm 19 now and i have had a fear of driving for so long. Recently, i got my Ls and have been practising manual driving with my dad. I really enjoy driving since my second practice in my car - the first time in my car. I love it so much and I am quite good at it, but man, there are so many things to look out for haha XD *Aspergers does not define you*
To me learning to drive was a nightmare. I failed the exam 4 times. And still today, 8 years later I still get very anxious if I have to drive to some place I don't know well or I've never gone driving. My parents though I might be asperger when I was a child. I have never been diagnosed but there are some things about asperger I identify a lot with and others that I'm the complite opposite.
I am Aspie and have always had an almost empathic sympathy for machines, they make sense to me, because they are totally logical and consistent. I had no idea I was Aspie when I took my driving test in 1988, since then I have passed by HGV, crane and other licenses, as well as have driven well over 500,000 miles. In those 500k miles I have had 3 accidents that were my fault, 1 was a momentary distraction, the other was an animal running out in the road in front of me and the first was the usual young overconfidence and not taking into account poor road conditions. I have raced cars and karts and never have a problem predicting what other road users are going to do, mainly because people are stupid and predictable when on the road. Consider everyone using a road as a moron and you will not go wrong.
I’m so used to walking everywhere, but I’ll be moving in with my fiancé in a little while. She lives in an area where public transportation is rare, and yeah, driving scares me
I have Asperger's and I really have to say not driving is the biggest hindrance especially when you're trying to get your life together it's an absolute must driving was so scary for me and it did not come naturally whatsoever not to mention I had no help from anyone to learn how to do it but I got it done not only because I needed to but because it's my right to have my own freedom and to not be a burden on the people around me
I dont drive at all. I was in group home until 18 and then on my own. It was always an apartment or a car. I chose a place to live and got used to taking the bus. Now I'm 30 and dont drive. I have been diagnosed with ADHD, Depression and Asperger's
My family tells me that I need to learn to drive at some point. I just don't want to. Even the thought overwhelmes me. I have driven on a dirt road before. Stressful, even though there was no traffic. I won't learn to drive.
You can do it, I promise Three years ago, I had little business on the road. I had a number of uncomfortable and embarrassing situations. Now, I have hardly any problems, and take my test on April 1st. It can be done 💪 Most people with Aspergers go on to get licensed anyway. You can do it. Don't let people label you or tell you what can or can't be done.
@@Gamingtv23658 Nobody tells me that I can't. They all tell me that it's ok. They even pressure me to do it But I don't think I can, I think I would be endangering me and others. I don't want to even. I generally think that humans are not good enough to drive cars but I am even worse.
@@myotiswii I can definitely understand where you're coming from. I don't do a lot of driving myself but I've learned to drive to and from familiar places. I'm not diagnosed with any mental illnesses but driving scares the hell out of me. Its too much sensory information. I thought the feeling would go away after regularly traveling from work and college but it never did. But if I know where I'm going, it at least alleviates a small portion of the stress.
I failed my driving test (at 25, last year) solely for "traffic checks" - making sure you check every lane, mirror, etc when switching lanes. I was allowed 15 points off... all 15 were for traffic checks. I could not figure out how they didn't see me checking??? I was incredibly confused. But later, i realized... my visual perception of detail is so intense, that i can quite literally "flick" my eye to the rear & side, and accurately process if there were cars (in any lane), bikers, upcoming on-ramps, parked cars... even pedestrians on the sidewalk, potholes ahead, or driveways coming up. I can incorporate the speed of the other vehicles, too - I can analyze where all moving parts are going to be, within the time it takes to change lanes... within a 1 second flick of the eye to 3 locations. So, in a funny sense, I failed (and cried a lot at home) because my IQ is too high, and I forgot to act like it was average. Lol. Life is a strange adventure.
@@addchannelname9021 You either don’t have Asperger’s, or else you just don’t understand. It’s not about sounding, or being cool. It’s a question of simple facts, our brains work differently… we’re wired in a divergent manner in contrast to the “norm”. Giving us certain abilities, that most people can’t train for. In the same way that people are born with greater natural lung capacity. A very common trait, is hyper fast analysis of the environment present to you. Most people can’t glance at something shortly, while still retrieving useful information from it. A lot of us with Asperger’s, or conditions like it have a natural given ability to retrieve, and retain useful data from a short glance at multiple objects, in or out of motion. A lot of people with Asperger’s absolutely excel in video games, especially fast paced ones… for this very reason as they’re very attentive to detail, and because they can retrieve and retain more information in a shorter time than others, they’re often better off since they can make greater predictions about the proceedings of an event, or action in that game.
Driving at night in the rain causes me to have a meltdown. The reflection on the road from the rain and lights coupled with the amplified noise is overwhelming. I try my best to not drive at night or in the rain.
Ive been driving safely for 12 years. I have a clean licence and have only every had one accident which was reversing into a lamppost. My asd means i have an awful sense of direction and i do get abit stressed trying to navigate around somewhere i dont recognise but with the help of a sat nav i’ve never had any issues
I'm an aspie and driving came naturally to me as soon as i sat behind the wheel for the first time. I have a CDL and drive a semi without any problems.
Was supportive until the end, when the message seemed to be that everyone should drive. NO. it is an individual decision, and driving is NOT for everyone. I am someone with Aspergers, and I went through driving school in my early 20's (because I felt I "should"), but it was a disaster. I passed the written exam, but the driving test itself was a nightmare. Too much yelling from the instructor, but even before that, there were so many problems. Difficulty with peripheral vision, being basically legally blind, having add besides the ASD, and issues with spatial relations and depth perception, night blindness, so many, many things! I recall my father saying to me something to the effect of you will feel the car is part of you, you will feel where the car is in the space...and all I could think of was, "I can barely feel where my own BODY is in space, how can I feel where the car is???" I had nightmare after nightmare while taking the driving course, of hitting small children, enough nightmares to the point where I felt, "The Universe is telling me that driving is not for me. I'm done." After failing that driving test, I gave up. That was.... nearly 40 years ago, and I have never, ever regretted not driving. Also, as someone who has a tendency to sleepwalk (without taking meds), I felt that I would be a danger on the road. I have never felt that not driving made me less independent. I have legs to walk with, buses and trains to take me where I need to go. I dislike this feeling that *everyone* needs to drive. NO. It is similar to the feeling that everyone *should* have children. Again, NO. It is NOT for everyone. I have never had children, and I have never driven a car, and I regret neither one. If anything, the Universe keeps giving me signs that I made the right decision for myself! I do agree that people on the spectrum, IF THEY WISH IT, should be given the education, training, and tools to learn how to drive, but if they do NOT wish it, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Disappointed to see that this video was sponsored by Autism Speaks, but not surprised, when I heard the end of the video. Unsubscribing, because of that.
Interesting story. It's certainly good that you recognised you wouldn't be safe to keep driving. Some people would never be mature enough to admit that driving isn't for them
@@catguy4996 Thank you so much for saying that! I do have to add, I am very logical, and I never wanted to risk falling for someone who a) thought something was wrong with me for not driving, and b) wanted to have children (as having children is a non-negotiable issue). I found my husband, who didn't care that I didn't drive (his mother never did, so perhaps that was why he saw nothing wrong with it) or that I didn't want children (he said, "I'd be happy with, I'd be happy without"). He's been wonderful as I deal with figuring out very late in life that I am autistic (at 60; I'm now 63), and I am very grateful for him every day of my life. Peace!
I think I just have ADHD and OCD, but I feel like it took me a few extra years to be comfortable driving. Th major click came with driving my dad's z28 where the mirrors seemed to be in the perfect place and the engine responded exactly in the way I asked of it. I have wide feet so where I struggled with the heel-toe thing I was able to use my right foot to control the brake and gas pedal at the same time. Something about pulling the engine and puting in a lightwieght flywheel and stage 3 disk/pressure plate really made driving a someone intimate experience and a passion of mine. We sold that car and now I have no issues driving except tjhat I space out all the time and have to flip a u-turn quite often butin 15 years of driving I have yet to have been pulled over despite how scared shitless I was when I started.
Watching neurotypical people describe why autistic people shouldn't drive is a strange mix of horrifying and amusing. I'm talking about the comment section, since the doctors clearly each say that there is no more danger for autistic people to drive than anyone else.
I think for people with Aspergers the learning curve is much worse, as initially they have to put way more effort to learning it, but once they master driving skills, they may become way better drivers than most of neurotypical ones.
@@AdaMs910 yo, that was my experience exactly. Driving bew places can be nerve-inducing, but I have never made any dumb driving mistakes like I see other people my age make, and I think it's because once I have a system of rules laid out, I refuse to defy them. So, driving rules are just another system.
@@haleyhowell7889 It's funny how we share the same experience :) I remember I was convinced that I'll never learn to drive and here I am, actively driving for over 5 years now. Never had an accident yet - knocking on wood :).
I'm not diagnosed but there's this yield sign that every other jackass near my house misses and I sometimes wonder if I'm the only one who notices. So yeah, they have no right to tell anyone who's safe and unsafe.
The whole process of learning how to drive was one of the final reasons I came to the conclusion that I may have Aspergers. Im just scared to be officially get diagnosed bc I don't want my insurance to go up lol. Took me a looong time to get desensitized and im still gradually exposing myself to new situations
I am attempting to get a driver's license soon. I have had a Learner's Permit throughout the years but never had the courage to go to the next step. I love driving actually. I just cannot get past the external goings on. I really want the independence so this is my year. I know I can do it.
I really hope i can drive some day, but i really don't know if that will ever happen... I get so overwhelmed with a lot of input that the thought of driving terrifies me and i have never understood how people can take all that information in, focusing on their own actions, other cars, signs/lights, all at once and not messing up. and im afraid if i drive my brain will dissociate and i crash.
My student driver son was doing such a good job but then zoned out and turned left in front of a pickup truck. Our vehicle was totaled, the pickup was seriously damaged and we had some physical injuries as well. I’m terrified of getting in the car with him again, actually.
As a Teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome, I practised my driving on games and later on in my dad’s 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. I think the game where I got the best result was Forza Horizon 4 because that was the game where I learned road safety but in Gran Turismo Sport I learned how to use the clutch (I learned how to use the clutch when I was 11 and how to drive an actual car a few months ago). Of course, the difference between VR and reality but endurance is everything (meaning keeping awake) and I think I did alright. I am worried for my driving test (when I turn 17, I’m 13.5 now) because I’m worried I may become a bit smart with the driver or do something that I shouldn’t do which is safer than what they teach you. I hope I do good but, yeah…
You remind me of my younger self / when I was a kid. I don't normally respond to people on CZcams but you definitely remind me of when I would play car racing games just to get practice so when I was old enough to drive I'd be ready. Alot of the things you said are true about driving and from reading what you wrote you'll be fine when it's time to actually get your license. Without boring you with the details I was 17 when I'd went and took my test and boy was I nervous!!! The first thing the instructor had me do was park my mother's minivan into a spot . The spot was way to small to for it, So being nervous I decided to distracted the instructor with questions on how to park the van. When he started to answer me I quickly parked the Van so I would pass that part of the test which blew both his and my mother's mind that I parked it so quick and in an spot that was way to small. He told me that he had older drivers there who couldn't do that much older drivers and I was the 1st one to do that. So trust me you'll be ready and ok when the time comes.
People have totally honked at me for this. I don’t stay in the passing lane any longer than necessary, but I’m absolutely not going to exceed the speed limit by 10 mph just because some jerk behind me wants to get to his destination 3 minutes faster than he might otherwise. I have a healthy respect for the potential dangers of driving.
I have Aspergers. I drive. I don’t enjoy it. It’s a sensory overload. I hate the amount of things I have to pay attention to. I can’t drive and answer my phone or drive and listen to music. I need total concentration and silence. If there is someone In the car with me, they have to drive. I drive alone and in silence or not at all.
...because 'half blind' to the general population means seeing less, but actually you develop alternative, sometimes superior ways of seeing things around you that someone with good vision will never get to experience. That's like telling someone they're too old to drive, it's not your call. Not being able to drive when you're used to it can be incredibly disempowering so I just wouldn't go there
I am a very cautious driver, arguably too cautious. I pay strict attention to the road because I don’t feel like I can just autopilot it like NTs. Sometimes I have to ask my partner to not play music because it impedes my focus. I have noticed I have particular difficulty with merging and it gives me a fair amount of anxiety. I think it’s because that’s one of the primary scenarios in driving where you need to ‘read the road,’ and I can’t reliably work out other drivers’ intentions. I tend to overcompensate by using my turn signals well in advance.
I've been driving since I was 16 class 7 learners in Alberta, class 5 since I was 17. Been driving by myself since then daily. It's one of the few things am good at and usally pretty empty minded driving. But, fuck I have a firearm license too and own 4 guns. I am really high functioning and normal in some ways. But, socially it's been a huge thing for me.
I have also failed the test multiple times, so I understand your frustration towards people who pass fairly easily. We can only keep trying. Good luck🌟
Next Sunday it will be 30 years ago that I got my driver's license. It has not yet been 20 years since the first time I heard of Asperger's or even realized I might have it.
Are asperbers afraid to drive fast like everyone else does? Ive never understood how everyone can have a lead foot and drive over 80mph and not fear crashing. I cant do that. Is it because im an aspie?
I did get very scared of driving fast yes. I don't want to dishearten you. I reckon I could get used to and get past that but I gave up learning since then for now as my driving instructor turned out to not be right for me ..I thought he was but the best one I've ever had I reckon she would be the only one to get me to pass Also too much was happening in my life and I couldn't work with his schedule and they made the roads more coimplicated than before I think I can drive just fine , just can't navigate the stupid traffic and roads :P
I’m afraid of driving fast too and I get jumpy and hold on the handle of the passenger door for dear life if it looks like we’re gonna hit another car ( my mom drives me places and sometimes my sister does too) . If I was driving I know I would probably panic and slam on the breaks if it looked like I was going to hit another car or something. So for me it’s Not worth risking my life or other people’s lives
Lol. Without my asperger's piloting my 600hp drag car would be very difficult. I can absorb more visual information at a higher rate than most. Hyper attention and extreme focus are helpful when your car goes 150mph in 9 seconds. I'm 20 steps ahead of most traffic situations. Like high speed chess. High iq, extreme drive and fact based thinking is a disorder? Normal people are left in our wake. Asperger's is a superpower. Crazy side note. I bit down on an electrical cord when I was 2 or 3. Almost killed me. High anxiety and extreme focus could be the brain trying to keep itself safe after shock. Kinda wonder if all asperger's people had childhood trauma that the brains trying to protect from. Higher focus means better threats/danger assessment. High iq would also help.
I have autism and a license. Ive even got to the point where I got so comfortable in my route Id catch myself going on "autopilot" so to speak. I live in a city with a great bus network so I haven't driven in years and now I'm afraid to drive one day again lol.
"The past two decades of research on theory of mind in autism has taught us that no single hypothesis can explain the full range of symptoms that define autism." (Boston university of Medicine, 2010) There are driving schools which specialise teaching those with ASD, anxiety, learning difficulties and other conditions.
getting a motor cycle licence made me a better car driver. I know where to look, what to expect, and I don't trust anybody to do what they're supposed to do. I'm a good car driver, for 30+ years now, because Aspergers also gives me the ability to see selectively (don't waste time noticing people's dress, instead check where their front wheels are pointing) and I can hyperfocus. I am 120% concentrated when I drive. Twice a year I drop to 90% concentration and then I return home because driving is not in the cards for that day. PS motor cycle licence gives you a kick because you KNOW you are seeing all the possible dangers because you cannot afford to miss any. To miss one is pain or death. PPS I never drove a motorcycle again once I had the licence. Rider is too vulnerable. PS2 I process a road situation and forget it once it has passed. I don't waste my energy on remembering what cars I met a few minutes ago, however I CAN identify all the cars around me at this moment and where they are going and a rough estimate of their driving style. I move through a 3D space and have this as a model in my head, with all other participants. I live in the most crowded country of Europe. I'm 50yo and got my diagnosis this year.
I have a speed pedelec as well. That is an electric bike with support until 45 km/h or about 28 MPH. Some people called me insane to buy such a bike. Very dangerous, etc. I have to pay attention in the same way than I have when driving. I think I am a very experienced driver now. I have been in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, Luxemburg, France, and in world cities: Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Luxemburg (city), Paris (that is a disaster, I won't go there again with my car), Prague. I may drive in Saint Petersburg soon. Cyrillic is not a problem, but I have to be careful on prospekty, which are very broad streets, invented by Stalin. He always wanted big, mighty, awesome and large streets with many lanes! The Kutuzovskij Prospekt in Moscow is infamous because of many accidents. The street has 6 lanes in each direction!
My boyfriend has Aspergers and I can tell you, he should NOT be able to drive at all! He cannot focus on the task at hand long enough to do it safely. He falls asleep at the wheel. He has caused many accidents and hit a guy on a lawnmower a couple years back. The problem is, he doesn't see a problem and I don't know what to do to alert someone in authority as to whats going on with his driving. He will kill someone eventually, Im afraid.
I struggle with driving. Alone I'm a safe driver, but no radio on & no passengers. I have to know where I'm going & I get lost incredibly easily. A motorcycle is great! Wearing a helmet I think is the reason...but again, no passenger, lol
I seen a speeding car not stoping at a stop sign because of the Light reflection from the houses near by. My mom stoped but I counted the seconds before the car flew by.
You will be fine I have autism and I've been a pretty good driver I can say I'm better than average but not at the top either. I try to improve and educate myself, if I can do you can do it too.
I stim while I drive ( picking/ rubbing my head) and I find that I am able to notice things other drivers don’t. I’ve always been a great driver and I’m confident but I’m in constant “anxiety?” Regardless
I feel more overwhelmed at night when streetlights appear brighter and signs are darker and often obscured. I don’t like the radio on or people singing in passenger seats and prefer they stay quiet unless they are the one person trusted to help me navigate in such situations . 😅. Anyone else like this?
Yes definitely too-no music or noise on in the car for sure!! I mostly go later on anyway if I go for sure, and I am on my own anyway. Thank you of course!!
I stopped driving as a new driver becayse unpredictable factors made me freeze. Driving in india where rules are for losers... Is no easy feat for aspergers women.
At the start it's really difficult, I'm Indian too I can understand how the honking etc can overpower our senses. Keep at it and you will learn in no time.
It is inevitable that you will kill an animal. I brake for everything but sometimes they literally fly or hop in front of you. It’s probably happened to me five times in about 30 years of driving.
I actually think my Asperger's has made me a safer driver. I tend to notice things that other people don't because my sensory issues. Everything gets priority in my mind
Me too
EXACTLY lol
Aspie here with over 1kk km without incidents. 😁👍
@@resulsanane4506 I do not think it is possible for me to make accidents, even under heavy speeds because I plan far away, but with one issue, I have amazing tunnel vision.
Same lmao
There was a time when Asperger's was all lumped under one term: "weird". And for the first 30 years of my life, I was just plain "weird" until someone finally found a name for it and called it Asperger's.
@@TheImapotato Agreed. If there is an overall theme to my life it would be summed up in one word: MISUNDERSTOOD!
35 years working at FedEx. Trust me, transportation industries have a very healthy percentage of drivers on the autism spectrum. It requires independence and focus, no office conflict or politics, short feedback and reward loops, and your real life isn't the job. Oddly enough, driving can be its own hyper-focused trance - always a little bit farther, a little bit longer. It can lead to accepting abuse from mgmt and dispatchers who are happy to make you stay on the road longer than a non-autistic person would accept.
Indeed, I found out I was Aspie at age 44, now nearly 50, I have driven virtually every kind of vehicle there is and excel at it. But this stemmed from me being given a pedal tractor and trailer at age 4 and driving it around, reversing it and the precision required become a special interest to me, this then progressed through my father getting a ride on lawnmower and me using that from age 7.
So Aspie can be amazingly good drivers, but likewise I imagine they could also be really bad.
I've been driving semi for 25 years with mild aspergers
living with asperger's has been difficult for me and this Dr imenherbal I meet on channel makes me feel great that someone knows what my life is like ...
I don't know about other adults with Aspergers, but personally I found driving very overwhelming initially. With practice I learned how to construct my own mental filters so that I can prioritize where my attention goes. I suspect that NT folks don't need to have to train themselves to have a mental filter or to consciously create one. I find I have to adjust those filters when I am familiarizing myself with a new area I haven't driven through before. (In case anyone thinks I am a terrible driver, I have been driving for 20yrs now and have a perfect driving record.)
I was so anxious when I started that I asked my parents to take my car away from me! But so far I’ve never been in an accident where I was at fault, and I’ve even been a delivery driver.
Nice! Don't worry what others think, keep safe and be yourself
This is what I'm struggling with right now. I am finding it hard to "become one with the car" so I can focus on the more important part of driving, looking at everything outside the car.
I got zoned out a lot while driving. But I was able to trained myself to focus to traffic lights and signs, etc. But I'm still only comfortable driving in the same road everyday. When I have to go through a new road, it's terrifying.
@nguyen thanh Same, like you constantly have to take a wrong turn. 😱
Lol omg me too! I zone out easily especially with music blasting but I always stop at the signs and the lights lol
I feel that! I zone out driving. I have to be alone to drive.
living with asperger's has been difficult for me and this Dr imenherbal I meet on channel makes me feel great that someone knows what my life is like ...
Same, thats why when i go anywhere with my mom i let her drive
Driving is my favourite activity and I'm AS with ADHD. I just hyper focus and feel at home behind the wheel I can't explain it. Passed a bus test too
yes! feels like sliding into an overall with tools at all the limbs. The car is an extension of me. (I've got a Suzuki Swift, 4 cilinder with racing steer) I got a motor licence which made me a better car driver. I know where to point that hyper focus at. Enjoy your freedom Sonny :)
Thank you for saying this. I needed to hear this more than you know.
Aspie here. Been driving for 15 years now. I was diagnosed very late, many years after getting my driver’s license. The idea of driving was overwhelming because of all the details. But I always had faith in my ability to learn fast. Break it down, start from the beginning, practice until you get it and then you will know you are safe. You will feel safe because, once you know what to do and when to do it, you will be in control of the car. It’s called driving a car for a reason. You will be able to control your body just fine. Trust yourself. Once you understand how the car works and what does what, in a way that makes sense - to you - all will be fine. Ask the questions you feel like asking, no matter how “weird”. This is the practical advice I can give. Get a patient instructor who is also a nice person. Customise. I don’t like loud music when driving, so I don’t allow anyone to turn it up. I have the same scent for my car fresheners since forever. I don’t drive faster or slower than the speed that makes me comfortable (but respect speed limits). I never had an accident because now, when I get in, I feel like the car becomes my extension. It’s all in the mindset. You can treat it like something that gives you independence, something worth putting the time and effort to learn. Or like just another source of anxiety and overstimulation. Be eager not afraid. Trust yourself that you can do better. If you want something, don’t quit, even if you had a bad day, go again. Remember that nothing is stronger than Aspie will power - listen, if we have the power to obsess episodically on a multitude of random hobbies, that are more or less practical, but we kinda end up mastering and we get the skills, wanting or not (and then going deeper to until we get to God mode or just casually moving to the next)....Basically learn how to control the clutch and how to parallel park and you’ll be fine.
I just the same but in much more words :) extension of my body yes. Learn where to look. Trust that it will not come barreling down all at once, driving comes situation by situation and we are capable of handling each one.
I feel similar about this. I’m worried about if I’ll be safe with driving
For me it's about spatial awareness...I have close to none. I get bruises every day...with a car it wouldn't go well. Maybe with a lot of practice and hyperfocus
And it seems exhausting due to being constantly concentrated. I wish there were groups here. If I can't read people's intentions, cars' intentions are even more challenging!!
Ever heard of practice makes perfect?
I'd forget i was even driving during lights. I failed all 3 driving tests.
N clutches drive me crazy
@@adrianaadnan7704 do your best and keep trying. Everyone has the same feelings. Then it becomes second nature. Challenge yourself
That moment when cars and driving is your special interest, so your real fear is walking in big crowds
Yeah aye
I don’t open up to this side of me very often but I think this helped me understand exactly why I haven’t actively tried to get my drivers Id
I drive 18 wheelers for a living...I feel grateful for the ability to do that...30 years now and have never really had any real issues...I dont know what else I would be able to do...
driving is the only thing i feel safe with. i never loose my temper, as i've always known that my car could be a killing machine. this responsibility ensures that i stay safe for myself, other road users and pedestrians. i also see things well in advance too. i've also learnt to accept the things that i can't do and embrace the things that i can.
I relate and I applaud your ability of expressing it concisely.
I second what Corina is saying :)
I have aspergers and have been driving for 15 years and I’ve never caused an accident and have received only one driving citation. It’s obviously not for everyone, but I hope people do realize that autism is a spectrum. I have a full time job as a software engineer and am in grad school. Some of us have large areas of life where we appear quite normal.
yes. this year I turned 50 and got my diagnosis. I've been driving safe and confident for 32 years in the most crowded country of Europe.
I’m a very careful driver . My aspergers brain struggled with the multitasking that comes with it but with practice and a lot of work i got there. Been driving for 9 years now
0:53 "Everyone with Asperger's Syndrome is different..."
Damn, tell me about it...
The society we belong is abnormal, that's the issue, everything is so dumbed down and manipulated
I may be an Aspie - I'm not diagnozed, but I heavily relate to this problem, especially as I also might have anxiety disorder. When I prepare myself for driving, I always pre-plan everything - where to turn left or right, which lane to occupy... What's funny, is that I prefer to have someone going with me, than when I go alone 🙂 When I'm alone, I simply worry too much. But with someone, if he/she is a positive person, my brain seems to think "Everything is gonna be ok". I also prefer driving at night, for obvious reasons 🙂
Same, but for me, I tend to feel comfortable when I’m alone, depending where I am.
I have Asperger's, and driving itself does not usually scare me; but driving on highways absolutely does. It can be terrifying.
I'm the opposite, I have aspergers and I love driving even motorcycles and semi trucks I feel like it turns off my overthinking
driving actually makes me feel pretty good, its an intense experience, but I've learned to drive in a way that keeps me in control. Driving is a defensive exercise.
It's scary lol
I have Aspergers and I'm a profession delivery driver. My hyperplasticity helps me greatly adapt to my job.
At work, I drove and averaged one accident per year (nothing was ever major). I was very open with my supervisors about the problems I was having, but this was before Asperger's was known so they thought I was making it up (to get out of driving). I was fine driving most of the time, but I had major trouble with backing up (things looked backward) or when another driver (or my co-worker) would do something unexpected. Also, I now realize that I've gone through most of my life never fully understanding other people or they me.
For this reason, outside of work, I've never driven a vehicle.
just passed a test for forklift ,my driving forward was impeccable but backwards really messed up with my mind and really didn't get why i can't drive backwards and i am 100% sure i have aspergers syndrome all the boxes checks in
Hyperplasticity. Now THAT is interesting.
yep.As I am 15 and am diagnosed with asperger's,I cAn dEFinEtLy cHaNgE VeRy EaSiLy!
Master Yova lol @ the sarcasm
@@colton7373 you know, I was sarcastic too, right?
@@master_yova I'm 15 aswell and ç∆π ∆|$0 ¢H∆π€£ ∆|0T
Have I violated Poe's law?
I've always suspected that it's why I have taken 2 times more driving classes than my peers. But know I have mastered it so well, that I drive more carefully than most of them. The biggest downside is that after driving I feel exhausted as I need to constantly focus on the things that are crucial to safety - lights, lanes, signs, etc. and ignore the irrelevant stimuli.
me too, twice as many lessons but passed the first time, with a dreadful exam full of anxiety. Now I am a safe driver like you. I think because we can hyperfocus and ignore the irrelevant, like you say. I got my motor licence too which honed these skills even more. (don't ride the motor now, way too dangerous because of the other people on the road). I think we are excellent drivers! we notice so much. I do need a bit of a breather when I arrive yeah. My friends accommodate this when I visit them.
I get so sleepy if its a sunny day or of i have to drive longer than an hour
Hey Guys! I am 19years old and am a diagnosticated Asperger and im actually driving between 2-4 hours a day because my job consist of me doing it!And this is all because I have learn to calm down a lot I mean for my own experience the idea of driving when I was little and even a little bit now was simply horrible, but when I was actually doing it and doing it right it was just an instant confident boost and I think you just have to calm down a little bit, talk to yourself to keep track on what’s going on around you and when your gonna prove to yourself that you can do it your gonna feel sensational,I know everything can turn wrong we never know I have those thought too you know, but your gonna find some peace not letting anything stop you believe me
I also hard Aspergers as well as autism. And I drive for a living. Was never diagnosed but I’ve down my research on the internet. I do Uber and Lyft. I was wonder if I put my passengers in danger. It’s a dangerous job anyway doesn’t matter what’s person has. But the reason I know I have these is because I never had a relationship or friends. And I repeat the same things over and over.
Matthew Castillo Hey Matthew I would be interrested to get to know you, myself being Asperger and studying in psychology im pretty confident I can maybe help you find some tips and tricks to help you in general and make sure you are safe for you your job !!:)
@@asourcefragment9629 Is there a group for people with Asperger's? I realized this is what I had all along, and I would love to talk to other people on the spectrum. I don't have Facebook, but maybe through whatsapp that would be cool.
Nicoletta Pinewood If you ever get diagnosed by a professionnal he might give you some group ressource.I myself have never tried it because of the cost but have found other asperger in my life for satisfying that desir.the least I can do now is offering you my direct assistance
@@asourcefragment9629 I have not been diagnosed but it is obvious to me by now after therapy. That would be very much appreciated! Thank you so much.
turning 25 soon, but still haven't got my Learners and it's just very overwhelming for me. I get distracted all the time and I don't want to drive but my future job requires a full licence
So I am 35 and just now I may be on the spectrum. I was tested as a child the results were I have adhd, ocd ends up I have a 150iq so almost a genius so my parents figured I was just different because I was smart. Throughout my life I have always questioned myself I recently took an AQ test and scored a 33 so I very well may be on the spectrum. So growing up I was always (and still am) obsessed with cars and driving so it's something I have always been in to. I actually started driving at the age of 3 and completely all on my own at 5 so I started very young. Looking back on it I actually think I was a better driver because of the aspergers...I could scan literally everything as far as the eye can see I would be analyzing each car to see who is moving slower or faster also their driving style (irratic, unpredictable) it was crazy...I was a street racer and honestly unbeatable I drove wide open all day long, even though I drove so fast my passengers always felt at ease they said they fell Safe when I drive. My parents were always telling me I was going to kill myself or someone else driving so fast, but I knew otherwise because where I was analyzing all the vehicles I would also be planning out escape routes in case some one would pull out in front of me or not see me and switch planes etc. I have gotten out of so many wrecks it's crazy. I remember one time going 120mph in 55 zone a car pulled right out in front of me turning left across all lanes most people would have just slammed on the brakes and hit them but I didn't even hit the brake lol I just very quickly jolted around them to the side between them and the curb. I've also gotten out of being rear ended by giving myself one car length of space when stopped (I could always feel danger zones) and by constantly checking my mirrors if I see some one was about to crash in to me right before impact I would floor it and get out of their way either to the side or just move up depending on how fast they were going and if they were stopping or not. One time I went to the side and that person hit the car infront of me. I could go on but ill spare you lol basically yes you can drive if you have Aspergers it just depends on how far in on the spectrum they're at and also if they're interested in driving or not, because you know anything they enjoy or are interested in they're going to know everything about it (for the most part).
Now I know why I never could learn drive. Maybe I could learn some day, but in a Small town. I just figured out Ihave aspergers.
I'm 19 now and i have had a fear of driving for so long. Recently, i got my Ls and have been practising manual driving with my dad. I really enjoy driving since my second practice in my car - the first time in my car. I love it so much and I am quite good at it, but man, there are so many things to look out for haha XD
*Aspergers does not define you*
To me learning to drive was a nightmare. I failed the exam 4 times. And still today, 8 years later I still get very anxious if I have to drive to some place I don't know well or I've never gone driving.
My parents though I might be asperger when I was a child. I have never been diagnosed but there are some things about asperger I identify a lot with and others that I'm the complite opposite.
I'm so glad that One's own mind has heightened perception. Being able to factor everything makes things so much easier.
I just bike around. less crowded than driving, where I am.
Amsterdam. And dutch culture is apsie heaven
@@adrianaadnan7704 How so?
I am Aspie and have always had an almost empathic sympathy for machines, they make sense to me, because they are totally logical and consistent. I had no idea I was Aspie when I took my driving test in 1988, since then I have passed by HGV, crane and other licenses, as well as have driven well over 500,000 miles. In those 500k miles I have had 3 accidents that were my fault, 1 was a momentary distraction, the other was an animal running out in the road in front of me and the first was the usual young overconfidence and not taking into account poor road conditions.
I have raced cars and karts and never have a problem predicting what other road users are going to do, mainly because people are stupid and predictable when on the road. Consider everyone using a road as a moron and you will not go wrong.
I’m so used to walking everywhere, but I’ll be moving in with my fiancé in a little while. She lives in an area where public transportation is rare, and yeah, driving scares me
Ian Colthart you don’t like that you are capable of a fiancé unless it’s your cat
смиренный maybe I’d be inclined to take offense, if I knew what you were saying
Practice makes perfect. Time to be an adult.
I have Asperger's and I really have to say not driving is the biggest hindrance especially when you're trying to get your life together it's an absolute must driving was so scary for me and it did not come naturally whatsoever not to mention I had no help from anyone to learn how to do it but I got it done not only because I needed to but because it's my right to have my own freedom and to not be a burden on the people around me
Thank you for this!!
I dont drive at all. I was in group home until 18 and then on my own. It was always an apartment or a car. I chose a place to live and got used to taking the bus. Now I'm 30 and dont drive. I have been diagnosed with ADHD, Depression and Asperger's
thank you, this video changed my perspective.
My family tells me that I need to learn to drive at some point. I just don't want to. Even the thought overwhelmes me.
I have driven on a dirt road before. Stressful, even though there was no traffic. I won't learn to drive.
You will, just be calm
You can do it, I promise
Three years ago, I had little business on the road. I had a number of uncomfortable and embarrassing situations. Now, I have hardly any problems, and take my test on April 1st. It can be done 💪 Most people with Aspergers go on to get licensed anyway. You can do it. Don't let people label you or tell you what can or can't be done.
@@Gamingtv23658 Nobody tells me that I can't. They all tell me that it's ok. They even pressure me to do it
But I don't think I can, I think I would be endangering me and others. I don't want to even. I generally think that humans are not good enough to drive cars but I am even worse.
@@myotiswii I can definitely understand where you're coming from. I don't do a lot of driving myself but I've learned to drive to and from familiar places. I'm not diagnosed with any mental illnesses but driving scares the hell out of me. Its too much sensory information. I thought the feeling would go away after regularly traveling from work and college but it never did. But if I know where I'm going, it at least alleviates a small portion of the stress.
I failed my driving test (at 25, last year) solely for "traffic checks" - making sure you check every lane, mirror, etc when switching lanes.
I was allowed 15 points off... all 15 were for traffic checks.
I could not figure out how they didn't see me checking??? I was incredibly confused.
But later, i realized...
my visual perception of detail is so intense, that i can quite literally "flick" my eye to the rear & side, and accurately process if there were cars (in any lane), bikers, upcoming on-ramps, parked cars... even pedestrians on the sidewalk, potholes ahead, or driveways coming up.
I can incorporate the speed of the other vehicles, too - I can analyze where all moving parts are going to be, within the time it takes to change lanes... within a 1 second flick of the eye to 3 locations.
So, in a funny sense, I failed (and cried a lot at home) because my IQ is too high, and I forgot to act like it was average. Lol.
Life is a strange adventure.
No, you don't just flick your eyes, you have to turn your head and check your blind spot, not high iq enough for that ay?
@@addchannelname9021 You either don’t have Asperger’s, or else you just don’t understand.
It’s not about sounding, or being cool. It’s a question of simple facts, our brains work differently… we’re wired in a divergent manner in contrast to the “norm”. Giving us certain abilities, that most people can’t train for. In the same way that people are born with greater natural lung capacity. A very common trait, is hyper fast analysis of the environment present to you.
Most people can’t glance at something shortly, while still retrieving useful information from it. A lot of us with Asperger’s, or conditions like it have a natural given ability to retrieve, and retain useful data from a short glance at multiple objects, in or out of motion. A lot of people with Asperger’s absolutely excel in video games, especially fast paced ones… for this very reason as they’re very attentive to detail, and because they can retrieve and retain more information in a shorter time than others, they’re often better off since they can make greater predictions about the proceedings of an event, or action in that game.
Driving at night in the rain causes me to have a meltdown. The reflection on the road from the rain and lights coupled with the amplified noise is overwhelming. I try my best to not drive at night or in the rain.
Ive been driving safely for 12 years. I have a clean licence and have only every had one accident which was reversing into a lamppost. My asd means i have an awful sense of direction and i do get abit stressed trying to navigate around somewhere i dont recognise but with the help of a sat nav i’ve never had any issues
I'm an aspie and driving came naturally to me as soon as i sat behind the wheel for the first time. I have a CDL and drive a semi without any problems.
Was supportive until the end, when the message seemed to be that everyone should drive. NO. it is an individual decision, and driving is NOT for everyone. I am someone with Aspergers, and I went through driving school in my early 20's (because I felt I "should"), but it was a disaster. I passed the written exam, but the driving test itself was a nightmare. Too much yelling from the instructor, but even before that, there were so many problems. Difficulty with peripheral vision, being basically legally blind, having add besides the ASD, and issues with spatial relations and depth perception, night blindness, so many, many things! I recall my father saying to me something to the effect of you will feel the car is part of you, you will feel where the car is in the space...and all I could think of was, "I can barely feel where my own BODY is in space, how can I feel where the car is???" I had nightmare after nightmare while taking the driving course, of hitting small children, enough nightmares to the point where I felt, "The Universe is telling me that driving is not for me. I'm done." After failing that driving test, I gave up. That was.... nearly 40 years ago, and I have never, ever regretted not driving. Also, as someone who has a tendency to sleepwalk (without taking meds), I felt that I would be a danger on the road. I have never felt that not driving made me less independent. I have legs to walk with, buses and trains to take me where I need to go. I dislike this feeling that *everyone* needs to drive. NO. It is similar to the feeling that everyone *should* have children. Again, NO. It is NOT for everyone. I have never had children, and I have never driven a car, and I regret neither one. If anything, the Universe keeps giving me signs that I made the right decision for myself! I do agree that people on the spectrum, IF THEY WISH IT, should be given the education, training, and tools to learn how to drive, but if they do NOT wish it, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Disappointed to see that this video was sponsored by Autism Speaks, but not surprised, when I heard the end of the video. Unsubscribing, because of that.
Interesting story. It's certainly good that you recognised you wouldn't be safe to keep driving. Some people would never be mature enough to admit that driving isn't for them
@@catguy4996 Thank you so much for saying that! I do have to add, I am very logical, and I never wanted to risk falling for someone who a) thought something was wrong with me for not driving, and b) wanted to have children (as having children is a non-negotiable issue). I found my husband, who didn't care that I didn't drive (his mother never did, so perhaps that was why he saw nothing wrong with it) or that I didn't want children (he said, "I'd be happy with, I'd be happy without"). He's been wonderful as I deal with figuring out very late in life that I am autistic (at 60; I'm now 63), and I am very grateful for him every day of my life. Peace!
I think I just have ADHD and OCD, but I feel like it took me a few extra years to be comfortable driving. Th major click came with driving my dad's z28 where the mirrors seemed to be in the perfect place and the engine responded exactly in the way I asked of it. I have wide feet so where I struggled with the heel-toe thing I was able to use my right foot to control the brake and gas pedal at the same time. Something about pulling the engine and puting in a lightwieght flywheel and stage 3 disk/pressure plate really made driving a someone intimate experience and a passion of mine. We sold that car and now I have no issues driving except tjhat I space out all the time and have to flip a u-turn quite often butin 15 years of driving I have yet to have been pulled over despite how scared shitless I was when I started.
Watching neurotypical people describe why autistic people shouldn't drive is a strange mix of horrifying and amusing. I'm talking about the comment section, since the doctors clearly each say that there is no more danger for autistic people to drive than anyone else.
I think for people with Aspergers the learning curve is much worse, as initially they have to put way more effort to learning it, but once they master driving skills, they may become way better drivers than most of neurotypical ones.
@@AdaMs910 yo, that was my experience exactly. Driving bew places can be nerve-inducing, but I have never made any dumb driving mistakes like I see other people my age make, and I think it's because once I have a system of rules laid out, I refuse to defy them. So, driving rules are just another system.
@@haleyhowell7889 It's funny how we share the same experience :) I remember I was convinced that I'll never learn to drive and here I am, actively driving for over 5 years now. Never had an accident yet - knocking on wood :).
I'm not diagnosed but there's this yield sign that every other jackass near my house misses and I sometimes wonder if I'm the only one who notices. So yeah, they have no right to tell anyone who's safe and unsafe.
The whole process of learning how to drive was one of the final reasons I came to the conclusion that I may have Aspergers. Im just scared to be officially get diagnosed bc I don't want my insurance to go up lol. Took me a looong time to get desensitized and im still gradually exposing myself to new situations
I have mild aspergers and have driven semi for 25 years..pretty good driving record
I am attempting to get a driver's license soon. I have had a Learner's Permit throughout the years but never had the courage to go to the next step. I love driving actually. I just cannot get past the external goings on. I really want the independence so this is my year. I know I can do it.
Yes u can!😉
I really hope i can drive some day, but i really don't know if that will ever happen... I get so overwhelmed with a lot of input that the thought of driving terrifies me and i have never understood how people can take all that information in, focusing on their own actions, other cars, signs/lights, all at once and not messing up. and im afraid if i drive my brain will dissociate and i crash.
My student driver son was doing such a good job but then zoned out and turned left in front of a pickup truck. Our vehicle was totaled, the pickup was seriously damaged and we had some physical injuries as well. I’m terrified of getting in the car with him again, actually.
As a Teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome, I practised my driving on games and later on in my dad’s 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. I think the game where I got the best result was Forza Horizon 4 because that was the game where I learned road safety but in Gran Turismo Sport I learned how to use the clutch (I learned how to use the clutch when I was 11 and how to drive an actual car a few months ago). Of course, the difference between VR and reality but endurance is everything (meaning keeping awake) and I think I did alright. I am worried for my driving test (when I turn 17, I’m 13.5 now) because I’m worried I may become a bit smart with the driver or do something that I shouldn’t do which is safer than what they teach you. I hope I do good but, yeah…
You remind me of my younger self / when I was a kid. I don't normally respond to people on CZcams but you definitely remind me of when I would play car racing games just to get practice so when I was old enough to drive I'd be ready. Alot of the things you said are true about driving and from reading what you wrote you'll be fine when it's time to actually get your license. Without boring you with the details I was 17 when I'd went and took my test and boy was I nervous!!! The first thing the instructor had me do was park my mother's minivan into a spot . The spot was way to small to for it, So being nervous I decided to distracted the instructor with questions on how to park the van. When he started to answer me I quickly parked the Van so I would pass that part of the test which blew both his and my mother's mind that I parked it so quick and in an spot that was way to small. He told me that he had older drivers there who couldn't do that much older drivers and I was the 1st one to do that. So trust me you'll be ready and ok when the time comes.
I got my permit two months ago and I swear whenever I drive I go so slow. I am probably awful to drive behind lol
People have totally honked at me for this. I don’t stay in the passing lane any longer than necessary, but I’m absolutely not going to exceed the speed limit by 10 mph just because some jerk behind me wants to get to his destination 3 minutes faster than he might otherwise. I have a healthy respect for the potential dangers of driving.
driving too slwly is dangerous!
Daydreaming is dangerous. N i get lost into my brain world allot. Im ok with trains n bikes 😎
I have Aspergers. I drive. I don’t enjoy it. It’s a sensory overload. I hate the amount of things I have to pay attention to. I can’t drive and answer my phone or drive and listen to music. I need total concentration and silence. If there is someone In the car with me, they have to drive. I drive alone and in silence or not at all.
Same, I hate it but it's kinda a necessity for my lifestyle/situation 😔😑
I'm half blind and have AS, however my fixation is driving. i've never had any problem i feel like potential problems seem to glow or stand out to me?
Shishizurui no offense but I really don’t think you should be driving
...because 'half blind' to the general population means seeing less, but actually you develop alternative, sometimes superior ways of seeing things around you that someone with good vision will never get to experience. That's like telling someone they're too old to drive, it's not your call. Not being able to drive when you're used to it can be incredibly disempowering so I just wouldn't go there
I am a very cautious driver, arguably too cautious. I pay strict attention to the road because I don’t feel like I can just autopilot it like NTs. Sometimes I have to ask my partner to not play music because it impedes my focus. I have noticed I have particular difficulty with merging and it gives me a fair amount of anxiety. I think it’s because that’s one of the primary scenarios in driving where you need to ‘read the road,’ and I can’t reliably work out other drivers’ intentions. I tend to overcompensate by using my turn signals well in advance.
I've been driving since I was 16 class 7 learners in Alberta, class 5 since I was 17. Been driving by myself since then daily. It's one of the few things am good at and usally pretty empty minded driving.
But, fuck I have a firearm license too and own 4 guns. I am really high functioning and normal in some ways.
But, socially it's been a huge thing for me.
I drive an 18 wheeler for a living...have for almost 30 years now...
Does anyone else have a REAL problem with just going to the DMV in the first place?
I think everyone hates going to the DMV
I have high stress around crosswalks
cant pass the test. failed it 7 times whereas everyone else seems to pass it first time with no problems.
My father too, now he is an awesome driver. He is an unaware aspie :) I want to try soon as well.
I have also failed the test multiple times, so I understand your frustration towards people who pass fairly easily. We can only keep trying. Good luck🌟
@@mandaxhope thank you, lets pass it !
same. I feel so stupid so I just use public transport despite it being stressful
well done for keep trying. i gave up at 3
Next Sunday it will be 30 years ago that I got my driver's license. It has not yet been 20 years since the first time I heard of Asperger's or even realized I might have it.
Its even in games after long time you can learn drive and fight in tekken but it take really long time.
if someone wants me to guide them to learning to drive - pm me (it won't be pleasant, it will be like Drill Sargent experience unfortunately)
I was diagnosed as a young child. I’m now 22 with a CDL because I love to drive. I’m always aware of what’s going on.
Are asperbers afraid to drive fast like everyone else does? Ive never understood how everyone can have a lead foot and drive over 80mph and not fear crashing. I cant do that. Is it because im an aspie?
I did get very scared of driving fast yes. I don't want to dishearten you. I reckon I could get used to and get past that but I gave up learning since then for now as my driving instructor turned out to not be right for me ..I thought he was but the best one I've ever had I reckon she would be the only one to get me to pass
Also too much was happening in my life and I couldn't work with his schedule and they made the roads more coimplicated than before
I think I can drive just fine , just can't navigate the stupid traffic and roads :P
I’m afraid of driving fast too and I get jumpy and hold on the handle of the passenger door for dear life if it looks like we’re gonna hit another car ( my mom drives me places and sometimes my sister does too) . If I was driving I know I would probably panic and slam on the breaks if it looked like I was going to hit another car or something. So for me it’s Not worth risking my life or other people’s lives
Lol. Without my asperger's piloting my 600hp drag car would be very difficult. I can absorb more visual information at a higher rate than most. Hyper attention and extreme focus are helpful when your car goes 150mph in 9 seconds. I'm 20 steps ahead of most traffic situations. Like high speed chess. High iq, extreme drive and fact based thinking is a disorder? Normal people are left in our wake. Asperger's is a superpower. Crazy side note. I bit down on an electrical cord when I was 2 or 3. Almost killed me. High anxiety and extreme focus could be the brain trying to keep itself safe after shock. Kinda wonder if all asperger's people had childhood trauma that the brains trying to protect from. Higher focus means better threats/danger assessment. High iq would also help.
I have autism and a license. Ive even got to the point where I got so comfortable in my route Id catch myself going on "autopilot" so to speak. I live in a city with a great bus network so I haven't driven in years and now I'm afraid to drive one day again lol.
"The past two decades of research on theory of mind in autism has taught us that no single hypothesis can explain the full range of symptoms that define autism." (Boston university of Medicine, 2010) There are driving schools which specialise teaching those with ASD, anxiety, learning difficulties and other conditions.
I am autistic and I drive. I even have driven from California to the Illinois and back all my myself in a stick shift car!
I wasn't diagnosed as an aspie until my mid 20s. I finally got my driver's license in my mid 30s. Can't live without my car, in this day and age.
The great driver😉
getting a motor cycle licence made me a better car driver. I know where to look, what to expect, and I don't trust anybody to do what they're supposed to do. I'm a good car driver, for 30+ years now, because Aspergers also gives me the ability to see selectively (don't waste time noticing people's dress, instead check where their front wheels are pointing) and I can hyperfocus. I am 120% concentrated when I drive. Twice a year I drop to 90% concentration and then I return home because driving is not in the cards for that day. PS motor cycle licence gives you a kick because you KNOW you are seeing all the possible dangers because you cannot afford to miss any. To miss one is pain or death. PPS I never drove a motorcycle again once I had the licence. Rider is too vulnerable. PS2 I process a road situation and forget it once it has passed. I don't waste my energy on remembering what cars I met a few minutes ago, however I CAN identify all the cars around me at this moment and where they are going and a rough estimate of their driving style. I move through a 3D space and have this as a model in my head, with all other participants. I live in the most crowded country of Europe. I'm 50yo and got my diagnosis this year.
interesting! I found similar with horseback riding, it made me a much better car driver
I have a speed pedelec as well. That is an electric bike with support until 45 km/h or about 28 MPH. Some people called me insane to buy such a bike. Very dangerous, etc. I have to pay attention in the same way than I have when driving.
I think I am a very experienced driver now. I have been in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, Luxemburg, France, and in world cities: Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Luxemburg (city), Paris (that is a disaster, I won't go there again with my car), Prague. I may drive in Saint Petersburg soon. Cyrillic is not a problem, but I have to be careful on prospekty, which are very broad streets, invented by Stalin. He always wanted big, mighty, awesome and large streets with many lanes! The Kutuzovskij Prospekt in Moscow is infamous because of many accidents. The street has 6 lanes in each direction!
As an aspergers driver, country and suburban driving is fine, but city driving is so extremely overwhelming
Is a chiaris malformation and autism spectral disorder connected?
My boyfriend has Aspergers and I can tell you, he should NOT be able to drive at all! He cannot focus on the task at hand long enough to do it safely. He falls asleep at the wheel. He has caused many accidents and hit a guy on a lawnmower a couple years back. The problem is, he doesn't see a problem and I don't know what to do to alert someone in authority as to whats going on with his driving. He will kill someone eventually, Im afraid.
Uhh, how did he even avoid a driving disqualification?
My aspergers has made me an expert driver.. because I had to.
I struggle with driving. Alone I'm a safe driver, but no radio on & no passengers. I have to know where I'm going & I get lost incredibly easily. A motorcycle is great! Wearing a helmet I think is the reason...but again, no passenger, lol
I seen a speeding car not stoping at a stop sign because of the Light reflection from the houses near by. My mom stoped but I counted the seconds before the car flew by.
Driving is probably gonna be the death of me. 😰
I thought so too with myself, but you'll get there, be patient
You will be fine I have autism and I've been a pretty good driver I can say I'm better than average but not at the top either. I try to improve and educate myself, if I can do you can do it too.
I hate driving. I simplify it to one lane from point a to point b, stay in between the lines, don't drive faster than the car ahead of you.
I drive like crazy! Beep beep outa my way slow peeple!!
I stim while I drive ( picking/ rubbing my head) and I find that I am able to notice things other drivers don’t. I’ve always been a great driver and I’m confident but I’m in constant “anxiety?” Regardless
Idk couldn't finish the video but I've been driving for a while only been pulled over once since I had my lisciense and I have asbergers
2:21 the doctor was trying to describe the word “empathy”.
this is nuts. its all relative of where you learned anything
sorry i meant who taught you how to drive.
I have aspergers syndrome and I have never learnt to drive and never will it good that some people with aspergers syndrome can drive.
I feel more overwhelmed at night when streetlights appear brighter and signs are darker and often obscured. I don’t like the radio on or people singing in passenger seats and prefer they stay quiet unless they are the one person trusted to help me navigate in such situations . 😅. Anyone else like this?
Yes definitely too-no music or noise on in the car for sure!! I mostly go later on anyway if I go for sure, and I am on my own anyway. Thank you of course!!
Regardless, I probably won’t be allowed to drive due to double vision. Rip-
Okay what I have Asperger's and I know how to drive pretty fucking well.
Terrified of driving because of SPD but the comments here make me feel at ease at going for a permit.
As a aspie motocross racer i find this ridiculous for me haha
most youtube videos tell you when they were posted. why not this one? I want to know if this is relevent or old.
Faith Marshall 20th October 2017
@@James-wl6bt Still looks like a very old video but I enjoyed it.
@@nervousbabbs2769 Hello Faith
Ive been too many problem driving too slow its sucks
I stopped driving as a new driver becayse unpredictable factors made me freeze. Driving in india where rules are for losers... Is no easy feat for aspergers women.
Yeah its the worst
At the start it's really difficult, I'm Indian too I can understand how the honking etc can overpower our senses. Keep at it and you will learn in no time.
Everyone is different.
I’ve always been terrified of driving.So afraid that Id kill someone,particularly an animal.
It is inevitable that you will kill an animal. I brake for everything but sometimes they literally fly or hop in front of you. It’s probably happened to me five times in about 30 years of driving.
i found manoeuvres impossible. failed 3 times and gave up.
I drive just fine, and I have been diagnosed with AS
Some of my students who drive have found this video helpful: czcams.com/video/yj1cTlQxTpI/video.html
How is this not the same as effects of isolation?