Learning to Drive

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges PDA individuals face when learning to drive and the importance of adapting teaching approaches to support their needs.

In this episode, Sarah from the PDA Society is joined by Tom Crellin and Jim Sahlsberg to explore the experience of learning to drive as a PDAer. Jim shares his lived experience of learning to drive, including the challenges he faced and the persistence required to complete the process. The conversation explores why learning to drive can feel particularly difficult for PDA individuals, with factors such as anxiety, demand sensitivity, unpredictability and pressure playing a significant role. Tom and Jim reflect on how the structure of driving lessons, the expectations placed on learners and the high-stakes nature of tests can all contribute to overwhelm. The discussion highlights how traditional teaching approaches may not always meet the needs of PDA learners, and why flexibility, understanding and reduced pressure can make a meaningful difference. Part 1 focuses on building understanding of the barriers PDAers may face when learning to drive, and the importance of adapting approaches to support confidence, autonomy and regulation. Key Themes * Why learning to drive can be challenging for PDAers * The role of anxiety, pressure and unpredictability * Demand sensitivity within…

People in this episode

Host: Sarah

Guests: Tom Crellin, Jim Sahlsberg

Topics covered

• learning to drive
• PDA challenges
• anxiety
• demand sensitivity
• flexible instruction
• confidence building

Keywords

• PDA
• driving lessons
• anxiety
• pressure
• instruction
• confidence
• autonomy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PDA Society

More episodes of PDA Society Podcast

• PDA and the Biology of Sleep · June 11, 2026 · 20 min
• Finding therapeutic support as a PDA parent · June 4, 2026 · 36 min
• Animal therapy for children with SEND · May 28, 2026 · 29 min
• The Hidden harm of School Behaviour Policies · May 21, 2026 · 32 min
• Why Diagnosis Matters for PDA Adults · May 14, 2026 · 30 min
• OT solutions for PDA · April 30, 2026 · 41 min