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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects more than 3 million people in the United States and diagnosis rates continue to rise.
It's natural for parents to have concerns about safety and independence as children, especially those with ASD, approach driving age and ultimately adulthood. In a recent
study of young adults aged 15 - 25 with autism, most participants "expressed frustration in their own abilities when it came to knowing how to handle and use money."
Another
study found that parents are often "appropriately concerned" that their teens with ASDs "may have characteristics that place them at risk for unsafe driving behaviors, like inattention or getting lost in the details of the road."
What can parents do?
To help bolster safe driving and financial skills in kids and teens with or without autism, experts recommend that parents should
- Have children pay for items at the store.
- Set up bank accounts for your teens and incorporate them in the process.
- Teach and model good money habits like budgeting and paying bills on time. Show children the importance of spending less than you earn how bill paying affects credit.
- Determine as a family whether or not your teen is ready to drive by asking the following questions:
- Do you feel that your teen consistently demonstrates good judgment and maturity at school, around peers, and at home?
- Is your teen receptive to constructive criticism and instruction?
- Does your teen demonstrate knowledge of the rules of the road and other skills taught in driver education classes?
Click here for more information on determining whether or not your child with ASD is ready to drive. For more information on teaching good money habits to kids,
click here.
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