Driving Behaviour in Young Adults with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder

Between 30 and 70% of children with developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) will have persistent daily functioning difficulties
in adulthood (Cousins and Smyth 2003). However, few DCD studies have focussed specifically on the stage of emerging adulthood. Driving is an important rite of
passage which marks the start of independence from parents. Delay, difficulty or avoidance in learning to drive may all have
profound social, practical and psychological implications for the young adult with DCD. The driving experiences of 38 students
with DCD and 77 typically developing students aged 17–25 years were examined using a semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative
measures indicate that fewer adults with DCD learn to drive compared to controls and that they show continuing difficulties
with distance estimation and parking. Qualitative comments give a valuable insight into the learning and driving experiences
of adults with DCD. Differences in the driving behaviour of adults with DCD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
are discussed, as it is the need to consider guidance on driving skills when providing a package of care for young adults
with DCD.