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3656 Can Your Child Become a Good Driver?

Friday, July 11, 2008: 1:45 PM-3:00 PM

Sun Ballroom 6 (Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center)

The purpose of this breakout session is to help families of children who are now old enough to drive. It will help them decide if the person is ready to learn. It will share experiences of adults who are drivers. It will help families access resources that are designed for people with autism spectrum challenges. It will teach proper behavior for new drivers who are contacted by law enforcement personnel or have an accident requiring assistance from public agencies. This session will be divided into three sections: 1. Overview: How to determine if a child is ready to learn driving.

What is the best way to teach such a child if ready?

What special resources exist for drivers on the spectrum?

What are common obstacles to learning to drive?

How does one handle special situations?; contact with police and/or accidents? All of the above will be shared by all presenters.

2. Personal experience: Panelists who are on the spectrum will share their driving experience. A parent who is also a law enforcement officer will offer practical perspective on special situations. Questions will be answered at end of session if time permits.

Learning Objectives:

Determine if a child is ready to learn driving.
Find an appropriate way to teach driving.
Access resources available for spectrum drivers.
Anticipate common obstacles for new drivers.
Help new drivers handle special situations.

Content Area: Transition Planning and Options for Adulthood

Presenters:

Gerald (Jerry) Newport, B.A.
Author, Advocate, Individual with AS and has Spouse with AS, Taxi Driver
Self

Jerry Newport has Asperger Syndrome. He has over 20 years of professional experience as a taxi driver and messenger. Jerry is a graduate of the University of Michigan and well-known speaker and author.

Mary Meinel Newport
Author, Advocate, Individual with AS and has Spouse with AS, Former Driver
Self

Diagnosed with Asperger's, manic depression, head injuries, and PTSD, Mary is the mother of two adult, independent sons who were never diagnosed but exhibit ASD traits and grandmother of two. She is a also a former piano tuner, gemologist, actress and current artist and composer. She drove for almost three decades but no longer does because of health issues.

Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.
Professor at Adelphi University
Adelphi University

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" & "too sick" for outpatient treatment Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Non-verbal until four, with support from parents, teachers and his wife, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where research focuses on matching best practice to needs of autistic individuals.

Dennis Debbaudt
Owner, Debbaudt Investigative Agency
Autism Risk Management

Dennis Debbaudt is one of the foremost trainers of law enforcement personnel nationally and internationally and a father of a son with ASD. Dennis advocates for strong partnerships between parents and the law enforcement community in an effort to reduce the dangers presented by wandering and elopement.

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