Technology-based training to improve learning-to-drive outcomes for autistic persons

项目总结/摘要 拟议项目的目标是使广泛使用的自闭症驾驶员培训计划可行。 具体而言，我们计划在第一阶段开发一个创新的“边学边学”培训单元，并在第二阶段 为各种设备和操作系统重写应用程序。该计划教授视觉搜索技能， 正在学习驾驶的自闭症患者。缺乏培训模块限制了广泛使用， 落实这一重要方案。在美国，每54个孩子中就有一个被诊断为自闭症谱系 每年有150，000名自闭症青少年从特殊教育中过渡出来。学习驾驶可以大大提高 提高自闭症青少年的生活质量、求职能力和参与社会活动的能力，从而 改善他们的身心健康。自闭症青少年可以通过额外的支持学习安全驾驶 超越传统的驾驶员培训计划。特别是，自闭症青少年需要更多的支持， 视觉搜索技能，使他们能够有效地遵守规则，优先考虑关键信息，避免道路危险。 这对青少年驾驶员特别重要，因为机动车碰撞是死亡的主要原因， 美国青少年的后天残疾三分之一的事故是由于青少年司机没有 正确应对道路危险。有一个关键的需要工具，有效地训练自闭症青少年 驾驶员应认识并避免道路危险。

Project Summary/Abstract The goal of the proposed project is to make the widespread use of an autistic driver training program feasible. Specifically, we plan in phase I to develop an innovative learn-as-you-go training module and in phase II to rewrite the app for a variety of devices and operating systems. The program teaches visual search skills to autistic individuals who are learning to drive. The lack of a training module limits the widespread use and implementation of this important program. One in 54 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and ≈50,000 autistic teens transition out of special education annually. Learning to drive can significantly improve autistic teens' quality of life, ability to seek employment and engagement in social activities, thereby improving their physical and mental health. Autistic teens can learn to drive safely with additional supports beyond traditional driver training programs. In particular, autistic teens need more support to develop effective visual search skills that allow them to effectively follow rules, prioritize critical information and avoid road hazards. This is of particular importance to teen drivers, as motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and acquired disability among U.S. teens. One-third of all at-fault crashes among teen drivers is due to the teen not responding to road hazards appropriately. There is a critical need for tools that effectively train autistic teen drivers to recognize and avoid road hazards.