U. Michigan study to help those with autism improve driving

By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER
Associated Press

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — University of Michigan researchers are studying how well people with autism spectrum disorder can detect road hazards, and plan to assist the young motorists in sharpening their driving skills. The upcoming effort will be the second phase of a project funded by Ford Motor Co. that teams the Ann Arbor university with a local driving academy. During phase one of the study, researchers found that students with autism spectrum disorder detected fewer hazards than control participants during simulated drives. But the lead researcher says many of the students’ responses improved with further training. The second phase is expected to start in a month or two.