Driving is a complex function requiring both cognitive and physical abilities. Each person on the road has a different level of mastery of the functions necessary to safely operate a vehicle. Modifications are available to help drivers overcome a number of physical limitations, and in some cases training may improve cognitive functioning related to driving. One disorder – dyspraxia – is rarely discussed, especially in relation to driving, but it can limit driving independence for those diagnosed.

What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a condition in the brain that affects hand-eye coordination, short-term memory, spatial awareness, gross and fine motor skills, speech, and in some cases, can be associated with poor social skills. Those diagnosed with dyspraxia know the physical movements they want to achieve, but experience disconnects between the brain and motor functions.

“Roughly 6 to 10 percent of children show some signs of dyspraxia,” according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Boys are affected more often than girls. Many people with symptoms are never diagnosed, prompting some experts to dub it a “hidden problem,” as noted in an article by Erica Patino on “Understanding Dyspraxia.”

Most of the supportive information available is linked to children with dyspraxia and education-related issues. Very little information is available to assist adults diagnosed with the condition in overcoming obstacles to independent living.

Dyspraxia and Driving

Driving is a key area of difficulty for adults with dyspraxia. Dyspraxia and driving can be challenging because with Dyspraxia, it can impair gross and fine motor skills, the ability to physically handle the vehicle, decision-making, navigation, and the ability to judge speed and distance.

Maxine Frances Roper wrote an article for The Telegraph on difficulties associated with dyspraxia and driving. In the article, Roper notes, “Given that dyspraxic weaknesses are in areas so crucial to good driving, it’s easy to recognize that the idea of dyspraxics taking to the road could be controversial. Yet neither the DVLA nor any leading insurers include dyspraxia in their list of medical conditions affecting fitness to drive. Simply put, if a dyspraxic person can pass a test, they are deemed to be as fit to drive as anyone else.”

Can You Drive with Dyspraxia?

While skills necessary to safely operate a vehicle may take longer to master for an adult with dyspraxia, driving independence may not be out of reach.

Roper concluded in the article, “The Dyspraxia Foundation advises learner drivers to find an experienced driving instructor and, if necessary, look into car modifications, such as extra wing mirrors. As with any medical condition, it is up to the individual to decide how much time and money they are prepared to spend fighting it.”

In addition to occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, specific training on clinical driving simulators may be the key for adults with dyspraxia to gain driving independence. DriveSafety’s clinical driving simulators provide therapists with powerful tools to assess and rehabilitate patients’ functional abilities. Clinical driving simulators provide repetitive and progressive practice, which can be a key for gaining confidence behind the wheel for those with dyspraxia. Simulators also utilize vehicle modifications to test their usefulness, and allow patients to practice utilizing these resources in a safe environment. DriveSafety’s range of clinical simulation-based tools improve patient outcomes not only in the specialized area of driving rehabilitation, but also in the general therapeutic care of patients who experience functional losses that impact their independence and mobility.

Therapists use DriveSafety driving simulators to exercise patients’ specific functional abilities that support driving, and determine if there are significant functional deficits. DriveSafety’s four-phased approach can help patients with dyspraxia assess current functions and gradually improve their skills. The four phases of therapy, skills assessment and rehabilitation with DriveSafety simulators are: pre-driving clinical exercises and basic functional abilities; more functional abilities in the context of simple driving; progressive basic driving skills; and advanced driving skills and naturalistic scenarios.

In general, even with practice, there are some tips drivers can follow to increase safety for themselves and other drivers. The Dyspraxia Foundation offers the following tips for safe driving with dyspraxia:

• Practice observing traffic as a passenger
• Practice driving off-road in rural areas
• Play video games to improve coordination and reactions
• Mark the left and right sides of the steering wheel with colored stickers, letters or a pneumonic to differentiate left and right
• Use navigation systems, plan trips in advance, and “rehearse” important trips such as the drive to work or to frequent medical appointments once or twice beforehand, if possible
• Take frequent breaks
• Share driving if concentration becomes difficult
• Never drink and drive, even within the legal limit
• Avoid driving while angry, overexcited or anxious, especially as an inexperienced driver
• Memorize helpful markers and basic driving directions to and from important destinations to help with navigation, even if someone else is driving

With the right training and practice, some adults with dyspraxia may overcome obstacles associated with the condition, and maintain driving independence. DriveSafety can help. Contact us today to discuss options for clinical driving simulation with a certified technician.