In 2014, my then 3 yr. old son Preston, was diagnosed with Autism. At the time of his diagnosis, I knew very little about ASD. I spent hours upon hours doing research to gain an understanding of the extremely broad, complex aspects of ASD.
Very soon following Preston’s diagnosis, he began occupational, speech, and social therapies. The specialized personalized attention and teachings he was receiving from therapies had a huge positive effect on his physical and social growth. I also began to get a better understanding of how he communicated and processed information.
During this time, I was a driving instructor for a private driving school in Memphis, TN. I began noticing some students struggling to follow along with the material discussed in the classroom setting. The classroom format was 4 days, 8 hours each day, with 60-75 students in class. This was completely overwhelming, overstimulating, and not conducive to learning or retaining very complex information on driving. I saw a need for a more effective driver training program designed for people who learn differently.
In 2017, I began writing dRiViNG AuTiSM. As I worked with different students needing a more detailed approach to their driving training, I started taking notes. From 2017-2019, I recorded and edited hundreds of hours of dash cam footage, in addition to over 1000 pictures of anything and everything related to driving. I studied how students I was working with at that time were processing the defensive driving method and techniques that I was creating.
In 2019, I published dRiViNG AuTiSM. That same year my 1st student completed the program and became a licensed and skilled defensive driver. To date over 100 students have completed the program, becoming licensed drivers.
I am forever grateful to all the students and families for what they have given to dRiViNG AuTiSM and myself. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with amazing, talented, inspiring individuals.
