Can My Teenager With Autism Get A Driver's License?

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: Can my teenager with autism get a driver's license?

Answer: Some can get a driver's license. It typically are those that have asperger's syndrome and the very high-functioning abilities. Driving is a very iffy thing for many of our folks because it really taps into that fast processing and problem solving. And although some may do very well with driving in their community and on some of the lesser traveled roads, I know a lot of parents are very confused about this issue and are very worried about the ramifications of their child if they get into an accident. So a great many of our folks with this disability do not have licenses, but many do on the upper ranges of this disability as well. And some do very well at it and are totally independent in their driving.