Examination of Driving Performance Across Autistic Drivers: A Meta-analysis

It is becoming evident that the unique challenges faced by autistic drivers are contingent on the driving context and specific skills required. This meta-analysis examined the driving performance of both autistic and nonautistic drivers, aiming to clarify the reasons behind inconsistencies in published findings and identify the relative strengths and challenges faced by autistic drivers.

This study was performed within a theoretical model of driving skills to break down the complex process of driving and identify specific strengths and challenges displayed by autistic drivers. Data were extracted from included studies, and a meta-analysis using random-effects models was conducted. Risk of bias was assessed, and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

The results from 16 studies suggested that autistic drivers show a small yet significant deficit in their overall driving performance compared with nonautistic drivers. Autistic drivers showed significant challenges and variation in performance at the operational level of driving compared with the tactical level of driving. Variation across driving performance was found to be related to licensure status but not age.

This paper was able to build upon prior work by clarifying strengths and challenges that are evident in autistic drivers and their driving performance. Notable differences were found to be most related to operational driving skills. These differences may subside with driving experience compared to nonautistic peers. Future studies should further assess potential reasonings for the variation seen across driving performance by examining the interplay of related factors.