Driving is viewed as a rite of passage as we enter later teenage years or early adulthood. This workshop will share information and invite discussion on the critical skills needed for driving, how being autistic may impact learning to drive, assessment of driver readiness and driver training, ideas for things that can be initiated in the home, community services and therapies that may improve safe driver potential, and review ideas related to modified independence in the community through use of alternative transportation and delivery services.

About the Presenter: Kathy Woods, OTR/L, CDRS, LDI, is the supervisor of CKRI’s Driver Assessment and Training. She is an Occupational Therapist, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, and a MN state licensed driver instructor. Kathy had seven years of experience working in the vehicle modification industry before joining the team at CKRI in 2006. In addition to her role providing oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of the service, Kathy provides clinical testing, behind-the-wheel assessments, and lessons. Kathy has given presentations at the local, state, and national level on driver assessments and vehicle modifications. She is an active member of the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED); in the past she has served on certification committees and is currently on the publications committee. Kathy has earned an Autism Badge from ADED, which signifies a level of competency within this scope of practice of Driver Rehabilitation.