Florida Autism Driving Resources

Florida is an odd state for anything autism wise. People complain about Medicare and Medicaid over there, but they also have quite a bit of autism centers over there. Oddly enough, this state has the most driving schools I have seen so far in my research. While there are more non-school programs than schools, Florida has something for you all to reach out to find the right fit for you. As always, let me know if I missed anything and I will be sure to update this blog. Thank you for using this resource and have a wonderful day! 

​July 4th, 2023, update: new program added.
July 8th, 2023, update: Progressive Healthworks added. 
October 22nd, update: I had to remove a provider who closed down. 

Driving Schools: 

All Florida Safety Institute 

Over at various locations in the state, they have experienced instructors who help new drivers feel comfortable on the wheel. They have a mix of services including virtual driver education, private road testing at selects locations, and a usable stimulator. They have a page on special needs where they list their specialized programs and outside resources for those with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. These customized lesson plans contain one to one instruction, customized lessons based on the individual and private lessons. For payment options, it depends on the package you select and to get more information, you must contact their office. 
 
 
 
Driving School of Florida 

Located in Sarasota, Driving School of Florida provides services for the special needs community. This school offers individualized training for each person to create a patient environment for their driving journey. They have a variety of driving packages both in person and virtual classes for teens, adults, and seniors. Payment is listed in their pricing pages with no word on any private pay for now. In their disability services, they provide accommodations to help someone learn the best during lessons. They became a partner of my old program, Driving with Autism when that was still going on. 
 
 
Knepler Driving Schools  
 
Aside from their Connecticut location, Knepler has a location over in Boca Raton. Their overall special needs services include evaluation called their “Diagnostic Driving Evaluation Center” and they cover both physical and mental conditions like autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Training wise, their driver rehab specialist covers driver assessments, which tackles knowledge of driver rules and general driving and mental rules. Finally, they have behind the wheel lessons to help new drivers find their strengths and areas of improvement.    
 
 
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Non-Driving School Programs: 
 
Memorial Rehabilitation Institute Driving Program 

Their rehab institute's program will assess one's ability to drive and provide recommendations. Located in Hollywood, Florida. While autism is not listed, neurological disorders were listed in their page.  
 
 
Grace Adaptive Driving 

Their services include helping individuals with practice on using adaptive devices. They help autistic drivers, those with ADHD, and other conditions within their clientage. Evaluations for both driving and physical therapy are present. In their cognitive page, they list all their policies and resources. For payment rates, they accept private pay on specific series like driver evaluations, the use of assistive tech can vary in prices. You must call them to get an idea of what the cost would be for driving services before you accept. 
 
 
Adapt 2 Independence  

They provide driver rehab programs and services in multiple Florida counties. They cover the typical driver assessments, one to one driver training, and adaptive tech for drivers with physical disabilities. Said services are reviewed regularly to be the most effective for any new driver. They also consult with families on advice and other options for recommendations. Payment wise, you would have to fill out their contact page to get that information. 
 
 
 
Brook Rehabilitation 

They provide general driver rehab services like clinical assessments, the on the wheel road tests, and recommendations for assistive tech if needed. General fees depend on the type of services you need and testing.  
 
 
Adapt 2 Drive Inc 

Located and serving in Tampa Bay and other surrounding areas, they serve new drivers three main services. The first being adapative driving tech where they go over low-tech, high-tech hand controls, and other specific tech. The second area being driving assessments where both new and senior drivers can take. Finally, the third area is the behind the wheel training that focuses on providing calm instruction to students. Payment wise, there is a deposit payment to make before a lesson. No word on any private pay mentions and other needs. 

 
Nicklaus Children's Hospital 

Located in Miami, their DRIVE Program tackles specific services like their virtual reality simulator, behind the wheel lessons, and road tests. Their simulator goes over driving situations where students can learn and receive feedback on being better drivers/ The behind the wheel lessons have the students go to a local driving school partner to work with them on individualized lessons. Finally, the instructors from the partnered schools take the student over to their road test. To get in the program, you would have to fill in a survey to them to start the process. 

​Neuro Hub
"The Neuro Hub is located in Altamonte Springs, just outside of Orlando, and provides services throughout central Florida. This company offers various driver rehab programs, one of which is geared to new drivers with ASD and their families. The clinicians are occupational therapists with an extensive background in neurological conditions as well as certified driver rehab specialists. The Neuro Hub provides a comprehensive evaluation to then customize training. Clients are supplied with training to operate a vehicle safely and also learn how to handle daily traffic/roadway situations (e.g. running out of gas, emergency, detours etc.). The clinicians are available to accompany the client during every step of the process, from providing training strategies to pass the permit test to taking the DMV road test. The Neuro Hub also works closely with family members to share all tips, tricks and new learnings. Adaptive equipment is available as well. Their website will be updated soon with specifics for the ASD program."

Progressive HealthWorks Driver Rehabilitation Program
Davis Sapper an occupational therapist/ certified driver rehabilitation specialist and owner of Progressive HealthWorks Driver Rehabilitation Program located in Boca Raton, Florida. I have been working with people with autism for over 35 years and provide driver training to people with autism throughout various parts of South Florida and beyond since 1991. 


Initiatives:

Driver and Identification cards 

At Florida DMV locations, you can request have the letter "D" on their card. 


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