PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF A DRIVING AND COMMUNITY MOBILITY BOOTCAMP FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the perceived effectiveness of a driving and community mobility Bootcamp for young adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). Seven participants and their parents completed surveys prior to and after the completion of the Bootcamp. They were asked a variety of questions about skills, knowledge, and functional abilities of the participant to perform driving and community mobility skills in both a likert scale and open-ended format. The results showed both parents and participants' perceived significant increases in the participant's abilities, knowledge and confidence. The participants and their parents also provided positive open-ended responses, comments, and opinions adding to the Bootcamp's success. Although only a survey on perceived changes, combined with objective data from other study elements, results suggest the Bootcamp was an effective intervention for increasing driving and community mobility skills for young adults with HFASD.