A Specialized Approach for Neurodiverse Learning Profiles

Readiness to Drive Assessments

A Specialized Approach for Neurodiverse Learning Profiles

Driving is an important milestone for many people, offering independence, freedom, and the ability to engage fully in the community. However, the learning to drive process may present unique challenges for neurodiverse individuals. At DriveRx, we offer an occupational therapy-based Readiness to Drive Assessment, which is a specialized evaluation designed to assess and support the driving potential of new drivers with neurodiverse learning profiles. All assessments and training are completed by licensed Occupational Therapists who are also Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and Professional Driving Instructors. A permit is not required for a Readiness to Drive Assessment.

What is the Process?

DriveRx takes a holistic approach when working with neurodiverse new drivers, focusing on each individual’s strengths, challenges, and needs. We guide clients and their families through the entire process– from the clinical evaluation to determine readiness, to personalized recommendations to prepare for driving, and ultimately adaptive behind-the-wheel training. The Readiness to Drive Evaluation consists of in-clinic testing followed by an in-vehicle passenger assessment both within a single appointment, which typically takes about 2 hours to complete. 

Part One: In-Clinic Testing:

The in-clinic assessment begins with an in-depth conversation with the individual and their family or caregivers to review their medical background, daily functioning, and any questions/concerns they may have about driving. This allows us to understand their unique needs and establish goals for the assessment. The clinical portion of the evaluation looks at a range of essential skills for driving, including:  

  • Physical Abilities:
    • Strength, endurance, motor planning, and coordination for tasks such as steering and pedal control
    • Reaction time to assure ability to notice and respond quickly to the changing traffic environment
  • Cognitive Skills:
    • Ability to focus attention and process information efficiently
    • Multitasking and problem-solving skills
    • Learning potential
  • Visual and Perceptual Abilities:
    • Depth perception for judging distances
    • Visual acuity, peripheral vision, and functional eye movements for monitoring the driving environment
    • Spatial awareness for the ability to navigate traffic safely
    • Visual processing speed for noticing signs, traffic lights, and anticipating potential hazards 

This section of the evaluation typically takes 1-1.5 hours to complete and is designed to evaluate underlying skills to determine potential to drive, readiness, and learning style.

Part Two: In-Vehicle Passenger Assessment

Immediately following the in-clinic portion, clients and their caregivers will participate in an in-car passenger activity that will further assess attention, processing speed, environmental scanning and executive functions while in a moving vehicle. We understand that the amount of sensory processing required while driving can be overwhelming for some, which is why we work with individuals to identify and implement coping strategies for effective regulation to allow them to focus on driving safely. 

This section of the evaluation typically takes 30 minutes to complete and is followed by personalized recommendations for next steps. 

Who can Benefit from a Readiness to Drive Assessment?

Neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, ADD/ADHD, NVLD or learning disabilities, may experience specific challenges that impact their ability to drive safely. These challenges may include difficulties with attention, focus, motor skills, sensory processing, or social interactions. A Readiness to Drive Assessment is ideal for:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Individuals on the autism spectrum may have difficulty with sensory processing, focus, and social communication, all of which are important for safe driving.
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD): People with ADD/ADHD may experience issues with attention, impulse control, and distraction, making it harder to maintain focus on the road.
  • Nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD): Individuals with NVLD may present with challenges interpreting and communicating with other drivers, have visual processing and visual-spatial difficulties, and/or motor coordination difficulties impacting safe driving skills.
  • Learning disabilities: Individuals with learning disabilities might face challenges with processing information quickly, following multi-step instructions, or organizing tasks, which are all necessary for safe driving.

If you’re a neurodiverse individual or a family member wondering about readiness to drive, our assessments are specifically designed to address these unique needs and ensure safety on the road.

What are the Possible Outcomes?

After completing the full assessment, comprised of the in-clinic testing and passenger activity described above, recommendations may include one or more of the following:

-Readiness to pursue driving: The individual was able to demonstrate sufficient skills during the in-clinic and passenger assessment and is appropriate to begin learning to drive. Potential approaches to learning may include:

  • Hybrid Learning: Done in conjunction with a traditional driving school, individuals with strong underlying skills may benefit from using DriveRx to initiate behind-the-wheel training but then transition to a traditional driving school, or utilize DriveRx on a consultative basis in order to reduce anxiety and maximize learning through adaptive teaching methods.
  • Adaptive Training: Appropriate for individuals who may require a fully modified and adaptive approach due to unique needs as a result of an underlying condition, learning disability, or significant anxiety. DriveRx will work with individuals from start to finish to complete in-car instruction and ultimately proceed to the RMV competency test. The therapist will work in close collaboration with caregivers to assure carryover of learning. 

*Please note that at this time, we do not offer a Drivers Education curriculum. Those under the age of 18 will need to complete Drivers Education with a traditional driving school and then transfer to working with us, which we are happy to discuss and assist with. Please click here to be added to our mailing list for updates on our future plans to offer an Adaptive Drivers Education Program!

  • Traditional Driving School Instruction: While we would be happy to provide individualized instruction to everyone who completes our Readiness to Drive Assessment, some clients are appropriate to pursue learning through a traditional driving school. Our assessment will provide detailed recommendations to support individuals while learning to drive, and we are happy to discuss our recommendations with the driving school of your choosing.

-Improve underlying skills and/or passenger activities: The individual has areas that need to improve identified during the Readiness to Drive Assessment prior to beginning to learn to drive. Individualized recommendations will be made and may include:

  • Working with an occupational therapist or physical therapist to further develop underlying skills
  • Progressing independence with daily activities and community mobility
  • Continuing to work on passenger activities
  • Seeing a specialist, including but not limited to vision specialists, mental health counselors, or psychologists/psychiatrists

What Does it Cost? Will Insurance Cover it?

Occupational Therapy evaluations and treatment for the sole purpose of addressing driving are currently not covered by insurance. However, we do recommend checking with your insurance provider about possible reimbursement, as well as checking eligibility for use of FSA/HSA accounts.

Funding may be available for clients who meet specific criteria (e.g., MassAbility (formerly Mass Rehab Commission), Cecropia Strong, NortheastArc/DDS).

Our Pricing:

  • Readiness to Drive Assessment: $500
  • Follow-up In-Car Sessions: $160/hr

Resources 

Community Resources and Events: https://www.ecommunityconnections.org/

Blue Envelope Program of MA: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/blue-envelope-program

Northeast Arc Services: https://ne-arc.org/