ADHD Drivers

I have mentioned before how dangerous learning to drive can be for teens with Attention Deficit Disorder. When you consider ADD symptoms like not paying attention, impulsive behavior, and a tendency to take risks, you can see what I mean.

A doctor at Tel Aviv University has come to the same conclusion after one too many accidents involving her ADHD daughter.

Dr. Navah Ratzon, from the University’s Occupational Therapy department, worked with other occupational therapy departments from various Israeli hospitals to come up with a drivers safety program aimed at people with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Part of the program includes guidelines that therapists follow in “re-training” their ADHD drivers.

In addition to creating a “systematic screening of the visual field”, the therapists also work with the ADHD drivers to develop and use a checklist of things that most drivers do without thinking. This would include such things as periodically checking the rear view mirror or watching the road for hazardous conditions. Getting drivers to concentrate on this checklist and follow through with it keeps their mind on the act of driving.

Dr, Ratzon also suggests that ADHD drivers learn which times of day and which conditions are most suitable for them to drive. For instance, less traveled roads with fewer cars might be a better fit than city traffic.

I’d also like to add that just because the law says that kids can drive when they are 16 doesn’t mean they should. Remember, kids and teens with Attention Deficit Disorder are often emotionally 3-5 years behind their real age. Letting them drive at 16 could be akin to letting a 11-13 year old behind the wheel.