Neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD are present from birth.  Both conditions are very wide spectrums with a broad range of manifestations. 

 

Within the spectrum of these conditions there are manifestations that can make driving challenging. However these manifestations are present at the time of learning to drive, meaning it is difficult to pass your hour driving test if your neurodevelopmental condition affects your driving.

 

Likewise both conditions have a manifestation called 'hyperfocus'. This is the ability to focus intensely on an activity of interest, over a sustained period of time, to the exclusion of all else. Many people with ADHD and Autism manage to hyperfocusus on driving, making them very safe drivers.

 

Some people with Autism and ADHD my find that their ability to drive safely varies. However unlike conditions such as angina or syncope, the triggers that affect their ability to drive are predictable and can be planned around.  People with Autism and ADHD can plan to avoid these triggers and can pay attention to early warning signs and adapt their plans accordingly. This sort of self regulation is similar to that carried out by people living with migraine, which we note does not even feature on the list of notifiable conditions.

 

The neurodiverse community is concerned at being singled out for compulsory notification when other more unpredictable and dangerous conditions such as syncope and angina have not been. To be singled out in this way, without any evidence that we are collectively less safe than other road users, is an act of disability discrimination.

 

In the interest of equality, we request that ADHD and Autism be made notifiable only if there is evidence they are affecting someone's driving.