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Viewpoints on Driving of Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Objectives: Understanding the viewpoints of drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial in the development of transport policies and driver training responsive to their needs.
Methods: Fifty young adults with ASD and 57 typically-developed contrasts voluntarily participated in the study. Q-methodology was used to understand viewpoints on using cars as a main mode of transportation. Data were analysed using 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 to travel. Anxiety was also found to be a barrier to driving. On the contrary, the contrast group revealed consistent viewpoints on their driving ability. They preferred driving as the main mode of transportation and believe that they are competent in driving independently and safely.
Conclusions: The results should be viewed from the insight that there was significant difference in the driving statuses between both groups. These results are important in the planning of transport policies for individuals with ASD.