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Tom Arthur, David Harris, Sophie Robinson, Mark Brosnan, Elizabeth Sheppard, Samuel Vine, Gavin Buckingham, Mark Wilson, et al.
(2026).
Driving Support Interventions for Autistic People: Systematic Review and Participatory Synthesis.
Autism in Adulthood, 25739581261434228.
SAGE Publications.
- Publication date
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25 Mar 2026
- Identifier
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10.1177/25739581261434228
- Authors
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Tom Arthur,
David Harris,
Sophie Robinson,
Mark Brosnan,
Elizabeth Sheppard,
Samuel Vine,
Gavin Buckingham,
Mark Wilson,
María Ordovás-Montañés,
G.J. Melendez-Torres,
The Evidence Synthesis Group for Autistic Drivers
- Source
- Autism in Adulthood
- Details
- 25739581261434228
- Reference type
- article
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Metadata source
- crossref
Abstract
Background: Autistic people can face remediable barriers and challenges with driving, yet there is no consensus around effective support methods. This review therefore sought to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of driving support interventions for autistic people. Methods: We conducted a multimethod, participatory synthesis of evidence. Studies were obtained from MEDLINE, Social Policy and Practice, ASSIA, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, and Epistemonikos. Data were extracted from those that implemented a driving support intervention with autistic people. No specifications on study design, outcomes, or comparators were made. Risk of bias (ROB) was appraised using the Cochrane ROB and Risk Of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies (ROBINS) tools (for controlled quantitative studies), as well as the EPPI-Centre (for qualitative studies) and NHLBI (for other uncontrolled studies) quality tools. The application and effectiveness of support interventions were narratively synthesized, while focal delivery components and mechanisms of action were examined using realist synthesis. All analyses were coproduced and developed by autistic adults. Results: Only 17 relevant studies (involving 402 autistic participants) were identified, which utilized varying designs and were generally appraised to be low in quality. The most well-researched form of support was simulation training; however, e-learning applications, anti-anxiety medication, listening to music, and cognitive-behavioral programs were also studied. Although positive results were documented for all interventions, at least in some form, assessments typically consisted of simulated driving tests and various contextual factors were overlooked. Specific delivery components were identified from the effective support programs, but evidence was lacking with regard to intervention mechanisms. Conclusion: Our participatory syntheses of data highlight that research is urgently required to address the driving barriers and challenges faced by autistic people. Despite promising but inconclusive evidence for simulation training and holistic cognitive-behavioral programs, widespread limitations are evident in existing studies and rigorous, generalizable intervention assessments are lacking.
Study authors in this cited reference