Dissertation
An Exploration of Factors that Could Impact Driving Abilities for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00029
Abstract
There is considerable evidence highlighting that young drivers (16-24 years old) are at an increased risk of road crashes due to various factors including their age, sex (being male), driving inexperience (e.g., poor situation awareness), and risk-taking behaviours that are either intentional (e.g., travelling in excess of posted speed limits) or unintentional (e.g., driving at the posted speed limits during heavy rain). In addition to the risks identified for young drivers in general, it is likely that ASD-drivers (ASD) can experience supplementary road safety challenges that arise due to ASD-associated symptoms and/or comorbidities. However, there is limited research examining the driving experiences of young drivers with ASD (ASD-drivers), and currently, while programs such as graduated driver licencing programs (GDL) are effective in reducing risks for young drivers generally, there are no driver-training programs specific to ASD-drivers. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to explore the skills of ASD-drivers, to compare these skills to skills of young drivers without ASD (neurotypical, NT-drivers) and to develop an alternative driver-training program adaptable to the drivers and learning needs of ASD-drivers.
Details
- Title
- An Exploration of Factors that Could Impact Driving Abilities for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Authors
- Clara Silvi
- Contributors
- Mathew Summers (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00029
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99506307402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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