title: Viewpoints on driving of individuals with and without autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Understanding the viewpoints of drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial in the development of mobility support and driver training that is responsive to their needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty young adults with ASD and fifty seven typically developed adults participated in the study to form a contrasting group. Q-methodology was used to understand viewpoints on driving as a main mode of transportation. Data were analysed using a PQ by-person varimax rotation factor analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although some ASD participants perceived themselves as confident and independent drivers, others preferred other modes of transportation such as public transport and walking. Anxiety was also found to be a barrier to driving. The contrast group revealed consistent viewpoints on their driving ability. They preferred driving as their main mode of transportation and believed that they were competent, safe and independent drivers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results are important in the planning of transport policies and driver training for individuals with ASD. Driver training manuals can be developed to address anxiety issues, hazard perception and navigation problems in the ASD population. Their use of public transport could be further facilitated through more inclusive transport policies.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University , Perth, Western Australia , Australia .
authors.forename: Derserri Yan-Ting
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Chee
authors.forename: Hoe Chung-Yeung
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Marita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Falkmer
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.forename: Olov
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Falkmer
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Siljehav
authors.forename: Torbjörn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Falkmer
mesh_terms: D001334:Automobile Driving; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anxiety; Q-methodology; autism spectrum disorders; driving; public transport