Driver's Education – Autism

For questions about Driver's Education – Autism, please contact Lee Armstrong, Autism Services Supervisor, at 410-554-9173 or by email at Lee.Armstrong@maryland.gov, or Pam Post, Driving Program Supervisor, at 410-554-9223 or by email at PamJ.Post@maryland.gov.

Program Description

WTC offers the MVA’s 30-hour Driver's Education Classroom Course for individuals who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Students can attend the 30-hour class with or without a Learner's Permit.

The WTC Driving School covers the same MVA required material/curriculum as commercial driving schools. WTC provides two to three additional class sessions compared to commercial driving schools. These additional sessions allow the instructor and students more time to present and understand the material and also to repeat quizzes and tests as necessary. This additional classroom time has also proven to reduce the stress for students with Autism and has allowed them a better chance to pass the final classroom exam.

The Drivers Education – Autism program also provides the 6-hour Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) with a certified instructor; however, a Learner’s Permit is required for this portion of the program.

The 30-hour class and the 6-hour BTW are scheduled separately; they do not occur at the same time.

• Driving Services Handout

Program Requirements

Each consumer referred to WTC for the 30-hour Driver’s Education – Autism class will need to have a Clinical Pre-Driving and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) assessment. These assessments take place before entrance into the classroom. These assessments are required on the consumer’s IPE if the consumer is in “Service” status.

After successful completion of the 30-hour class, students who do not already have their Learner’s Permit will need to go to the MVA to take the Written Law Test and get their Permit. A student is required to have their Learner’s Permit prior to doing the 6-hour BTW portion of their driver’s education course.

Referral Requirements

1. Complete the **Determination & Justification for Driving Assessment (RS-6x)** form with consumer, in person, and attach it to AWARE™. The completion of the RS-6x will help determine if the consumer will require adaptations in order to drive.

2. Administrative approval via the completion of the **Administrative Approval (RS-9h)** form is required if adaptations will be required for driving.

Authorization Requirements

If the consumer does not require adaptations in order to drive, the DORS Counselor may draft a WTC Service Authorization for the following items:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Subcategory: Non-Adapted Vehicle: Clinical Pre-Driving
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Subcategory: Non-Adapted Driving: BTW Assessment
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Ed–Autism
4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Ed–Autism BTW

If the individual requires adaptations in order to drive, Central Office will need to draft a WTC Service Authorization for the following items:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Subcategory: Assessment-Clinical Pre-Driving — Adaptive Vehicle
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Subcategory: BTW Adaptive Driving Assessment — Car or Van
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Ed–Autism

4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Ed–Autism BTW

IPE Requirements and Costs

For consumers who do not require adaptations in order to drive, add the following to the IPE:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Description: Non-Adapted Vehicle: Clinical Pre-Driving: $168/hour x 2 hours = $336
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Description: Non-Adapted Driving: BTW Assessment: $180/hour x 4 hours = $720
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Ed–Autism: $350
4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Ed–Autism BTW: Included with Driver Education above

If the individual requires adaptations in order to drive, add the following to the IPE:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Description: Assessment-Clinical Pre-Driving — Adaptive Vehicle: $168/hour x 2 hours = $336
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Description: BTW Adaptive Driving Assessment — Car ($180/hour x 4 hours = $720) or Van ($200/hour x 4 hours = $800)
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Ed–Autism: $350
4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Ed–Autism BTW: Included with Driver Education above

Additional Information

When making a referral, adapted or non-adapted, please complete all forms required as outlined in the Adapted Driving and Vehicle Modification Procedures (RSM 2, Attachment 1600-1).