#drivingandautism

[theaspieworld]

Hey everyone! In this post, I’m talking about autism and driving, specifically how driving a Tesla has helped ease my driving anxiety. Let's dive in! Welcome Back to The Aspie World Hey guys, welcome back to The Aspie World! My name is Dan, and I have autism, ADHD, and a few other conditions. Today, we’re discussing autism, anxiety, and driving. If you want to learn more about autism and see more videos like this, hit the subscribe button and click the notification bell. Let’s get started! My Journey with Driving Driving can be incredibly challenging for autistic individuals due to the various elements involved. When I first started learning to drive, my instructor's straightforward commands—turn the key, check the mirrors—didn’t make much sense to me. I didn’t understand the mechanics of how the car moved. This lack of understanding increased my anxiety and decreased my confidence. To overcome this, I researched how a car works, focusing on the clutch, gearbox, and the role of each pedal. Understanding the mechanics boosted my confidence significantly, allowing me to focus more on learning to drive rather than worrying about how the car operated. The Challenges of Driving for Autistic Individuals Driving involves managing numerous variables simultaneously—changing gears, using indicators, checking mirrors, and more. For autistic individuals, this can be overwhelming. Initially, I drove manual cars, but the constant gear changes distracted me from focusing on the road, increasing my anxiety. Switching to an automatic car was life-changing. Without the need to constantly shift gears, I could concentrate on driving safely. Automatic cars simplified the driving process, reducing my stress and allowing me to drive longer distances and explore new places. How Tesla Alleviated My Driving Anxiety Advanced Features Driving a Tesla, specifically a Tesla Model 3, brought additional benefits that greatly reduced my driving anxiety. Tesla's built-in features and advanced technology are incredibly helpful for autistic drivers: 1. Built-in Sat Navigation: Tesla's navigation system is reliable and integrated, eliminating the stress of using third-party apps with varying signals. This ensures a smooth journey from point A to point B. 2. Autopilot Feature: Tesla's autopilot can handle acceleration, deceleration, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, acting as a supportive co-pilot. This reduces the cognitive load on the driver. 3. 360-Degree Cameras: The car’s camera system provides a complete view of the surroundings, enhancing situational awareness and reducing anxiety about blind spots. 4. Automatic Adjustments: Tesla automates many functions, such as adjusting headlights and windscreen wipers, based on environmental conditions. This automation allows me to focus more on driving and less on managing minor adjustments. 5. Voice Commands: Using voice commands to control various features, like adjusting the temperature or changing the radio station, makes driving more accessible and less stressful. Safety Features Tesla’s safety features provide an extra layer of comfort. The car alerts you about potential hazards and can even take control to avoid accidents. For someone with driving anxiety, this reassurance is invaluable. Sensory Control Tesla’s climate control and audio settings can be adjusted to minimize sensory overload. You can customize the environment to suit your needs, making the driving experience more comfortable. A New App for Autism and Relationships Before wrapping up, I want to introduce you to Collage, a new app designed to help autistic individuals with dating and building friendships. It’s currently in beta and has a waiting list, but it’s worth checking out for its innovative and safe approach to fostering genuine relationships. I’ll leave a link in the description below. Conclusion Driving a Tesla has significantly reduced my driving anxiety by simplifying the driving process and providing advanced features that enhance safety and comfort.

I highly recommend considering an automatic car, especially a Tesla, for autistic individuals who experience driving anxiety. What about you? Do you drive an automatic or manual car? How do you manage driving-related anxiety? Share your experiences in the comments below—I read every single one! If you found this post helpful, give it a thumbs up and share it with others who might benefit. Thank you, and I’ll see you in the next one. Peace! Feel free to leave your thoughts or questions in the comments! Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guaNbPObrog&t=69s Hashtags : Autism driving,driving with autism,autism and driving,autism,driving,aspergers and driving,us mi autism driving study (cr),autism driving,autism and driving a car,living with autism,autism driving a car,autism driving test,driving and autism,autism spectrum disorder,autism driving licence,autism and driving test,driving tips for autism,driving while autistic,autism awareness,autism and driving australia,driving with autism spectrum disorder https://theaspieworld.com/how-driving-a-tesla-helped-my-autism-related-driving-anxiety/?feed_id=3514&_unique_id=66b5792bbe459