Clinical Trial: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Driving Study

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: A Study of the Driving Performance of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Brief Summary: The proposed pilot study will begin to assess whether driving impairments are included in the functional deficits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This will be completed by obtaining data on velocity, collision risk, and visual attention of subjects with ASDs who drive in a simulator. The study includes 2-3 visits for the screening period (approximately 6 hours of assessments) and one driving simulation visit (approximately 2.5 hours). The investigators expect to enroll 20 adolescents and adults (ages 16-50, inclusive) who have been identified as having an ASD from a prior diagnosis or participation in community conferences for individuals with ASDs.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Current Primary Outcome: Simulated driving performance of adolescents and adults with ASDs. [ Time Frame: one-time observation (3 hour assessment) ]

Data will be obtained on velocity, collision risk, and visual attention of subjects with ASDs who drive in the driving simulator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).


Original Primary Outcome: Simulated driving performance of adolescents and adults with ASDs. [ Time Frame: simulation visit (3 hours) ]

Data will be obtained on velocity, collision risk, and visual attention of subjects with ASDs who drive in the driving simulator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).


Current Secondary Outcome: Questionnaire measures of driving history and behavior of adolescents and adults with ASDs. [ Time Frame: one-time assessment (2-6 hour screening visit) ]

Subjects with ASD will complete two questionnaires, the Driver Behavior Questionnaire and the Driving History Questionnaire, to provide data on the frequency of violations, errors, accidents, and other aspects of driving history and behavior.


Original Secondary Outcome: Questionnaire measures of driving history and behavior of adolescents and adults with ASDs. [ Time Frame: screening visit (2-6 hours) ]

Subjects with ASD will complete two questionnaires, the Driver Behavior Questionnaire and the Driving History Questionnaire, to provide data on the frequency of violations, errors, accidents, and other aspects of driving history and behavior.


Information By: Massachusetts General Hospital

Dates:
Date Received: November 29, 2010
Date Started: March 2010
Date Completion:
Last Updated: December 6, 2011
Last Verified: December 2011