Dr Louise O’Donnell offers Quick Tips for Drivers who are diagnosed with Autism when being pulled over by an officer of the law. In part 1 below, Dr. O’Donnell touches on the basics of composure such a the surge of panic/anxiety that might occur when first approached after a pull-over.
Continued…In Part 2 below, Dr. O’Donnell offers suggestions during the interaction with the Law Enforcement Officer once pulled over.
While some states now offer the choice to disclose your diagnoisis when driving, Texas has passed The Samuel Allen Law which offers the choice to disclose your diagniosis to Law Enforcement on the front of your Driver License, State ID, or when registering your vechicle through the DMV. This will alert the officer of a communication challenge prior to approaching your vehicle. For more information and forms to register for the Texas Driving with Disabilbity program, go to the Texas State Governors Website at: www.TexasDrivingwithDisability.com.
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Jennifer had a long career in TV Broadcasting. Upon learning her oldest son Sam had a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, she left her career and became a full-time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her family and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids, as well as a documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for School-age Children Diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She formed the nonprofit Asperger101 to provide on-going free resources related to ASD at Aspergers101.com and has implemented the Texas Driving with Disability Program and continues to grow the statewide initiative today. She and her husband have recently retired to their property in the Texas Hill Country.
