Driving

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I'm wondering if the tendency to get lost easily or not being able to "feel" where you are is an exclusive trait for aspie, or is there any aspies out there that directions and finding your way around just comes naturally, like most people.

I'd personally be screwed if it werent for the help of my GPS. It takes me probably anywhere from 20 - 100 times or more to remember a 10 - 20 turn route that's maybe only a few miles away. It took me over three months to remember how to get to my work after driving there and back every day with my roommate.

I get lost quite often, and it used to be even worse. There is some light self-deprecating humor in my own mind that I'm "geographically challenged." GPS is one of my best buddies and will continue to stay in my car.

Driving itself has also been a challenge to me...because there is so much going on sensory wise. At night, lights on cars and street lamps/signs are bright, people zooming by, loud engines, mufflers, honking, radios, etc. Over the years it has got progressively better as have been able to find a way to remain more aware of what is going on in my surroundings while always being able to relax some and enjoy the drive itself, rather than just making it to the destination.

Nonetheless, as I revealed above...the getting lost or not being able to spatially understand my location or forsee the easiest/closest way to get somewhere is still an ongoing issue. That part may always remain since am almost 40 years old. Guess I'm okay with out, just decided to keep GPS handy.

Finding their way around doesn't come naturally to a lot of "normal" people either in my experience it must be said.

I'm pretty much the opposite, I am usually the designated navigator.

I don't drive, but when navigating large buildings I sometimes have a little trouble. People have told me it seems I always turn to the right when exiting a room, regardless of which direction I am supposed to be going. My college has a big long hallway. The cafeteria is in the middle and coming out of it took me a while to learn which offices were which way. The classrooms are not hard to find because they are numbered, but I still sometimes go the wrong way to offices.

I don't get lost too often--I have a decent sense of direction.

But I could get "turned around" sometimes when I'm in a place like a shopping mall.

Thank you so much for that! I couldnt have put my feelings around driving any better! I feel like people could never understand how extremely uncomfortable the sensory overload involved with driving can be unless you've been there yourself! I don't know how people can handle that sh!t

Thank you so much for that! I couldnt have put my feelings around driving any better! I feel like people could never understand how extremely uncomfortable the sensory overload involved with driving can be unless you've been there yourself! I don't know how people can handle that sh!t

I'm odd because I have this strange sense of direction and as long as I know where I am (city, state, or country...) I can figure out where to go. I get confused in cities I don't know where I can't see the sun very well, or don't know the landmarks. Which is why I try to study maps before I go somewhere.

Once I read a map, I know the area. It gets stored into my brain as if I've been there.

You're very welcome!! ! It does feel nice for me to relate on this subject, too - so thank you!

There is some irony. I love traveling...enjoying new places/experience, enjoy looking at cars, and now (didn't used to) even enjoy the drive itself if somewhere along the countryside and/or with nice scenery. My parents and younger sister basically pleaded with me to get my license and so finally caved in before graduating high school. Looking back, am glad that kept pushing myself...as it's helped me to gain some independence.

I attend an autism group and the subject of driving actually came up a couple of times. Two of my friends there do not drive a car by choice due to their experiences. And also, one of the men I used to date in the group also has a big preference to using public transportation. He would rather take a train, bus, or plane any day of the week. OTOH, about 1/2 the people in our meetings could draw a map in their minds and probably never get lost in the woods. Not me...haha. Sometimes I wonder if I'd need an outdoor guide for a park's circular hiking trail.

There are some benefits to that (especially for those that do the monthly bus pass rate here) because it is only around $30 a month to ride anywhere, anytime, non-stop. (some people even use it at 3am instead of driving home from bar). Also, if you think about it...with bus pass, no need for gas, maintenance repairs, car accidents, car insurance, etc. And then, less traffic headaches to personally deal with behind the wheel. I came VERY close to using metro transportation for my last job because most people who even had cars preferred it to the hassle of the high traffic volume due to rush hour. I almost pulled my hair out while driving back and forth.

Overall, I can definitely see why many people make the choice to limit driving or not at all. There is a lot of money and responsibility that can go into that. The sensory stuff that we both mentioned can be quite overwhelming, especially if it's happening all at once. Thankfully, the upcoming place that I'm moving to is outside of the city limits and has a lower population, thus less people on the road. Plus, there will be plenty of chances to take nice easy Sunday drives if just want to get out of the house for a bit.

I have a pretty good sense of direction, but sometimes I can space out and forget to make a turn, or habitually make a beeline down a familiar route when I'm supposed to be going somewhere else.

Me too.