dRiViNG AuTiSM

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dRiViNG AuTiSM Simplifying the complexity of driving! In 2014, my then 3 yr. old son Preston, was diagnosed with Autism. In 2017, I began writing dRiViNG AuTiSM.

At the time of his diagnosis, I knew very little about ASD. I spent hours and hours doing research to gain an understanding of the extremely broad, complex aspects of ASD. Very soon following Preston’s diagnosis, he began occupational, speech, and social therapies. The specialized personalized attention and teachings he was receiving from therapies had a huge positive effect on his physical and social growth. I also began to get a better understanding of how he communicated and processed information. During this time, I was a driving instructor for a private driving school in Memphis, TN. I began noticing some students struggling to follow along with the material discussed in the classroom setting. The classroom format was 4 days, 8 hours each day, with 60-75 students in class. This was completely overwhelming, over stimulating, and not conducive to learning and retaining very complex information on driving. I saw a need for a more effective driver training program designed for people who learn differently. As I worked with different students needing a more detailed approach to their driving training, I started taking notes. From 2017-2019, I took 100’s of hours dash cam footage and edited. Over 1000 pictures were taken of any and everything related to driving. I studied how students were processing the defensive driving method and techniques that I was creating. In 2019, I published dRiViNG AuTiSM. That same year my 1st student completed the program and became a licensed and skilled defensive driver. To date over 75 people have completed the program, becoming licensed drivers. I am forever grateful to all the students and families for what they have given to dRiViNG AuTiSM and myself. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with amazing, talented, inspiring individuals.

We’re at Overton Park Conservancy this morning with Tennessee Disability Coalition from 11-1!! Come by and see us, grab ...
10/17/2026

We’re at Overton Park Conservancy this morning with Tennessee Disability Coalition from 11-1!! Come by and see us, grab a donut- you deserve it!

ONLY 2 Neurodiverse Defensive Driving Classes are available between October-December! Next available class starting on S...
09/12/2026

ONLY 2 Neurodiverse Defensive Driving Classes are available between October-December!
Next available class starting on Saturday, October 17th! Sign up today!

Contact: [email protected]
Call: (901) 837-4200
Visit: driving-autism.com for more info!

Sign up for any of our upcoming Typical Defensive Driving Courses between October & November!Next class starts Saturday,...
09/12/2026

Sign up for any of our upcoming Typical Defensive Driving Courses between October & November!
Next class starts Saturday, October 17th!

December dates coming soon!

Email: [email protected]
Call: (901) 837-4200
Visit: driving-autism.com

🚙🚗🛻
05/24/2026

🚙🚗🛻

We're on the road to summer! ☀️ Watch out for these common seasonal hazards. 🚗⤵️

04/09/2026

Small wins along the way. 💙 Preston driving to school. I’m so proud of him.

Melissa Cogdell
04/02/2026

Melissa Cogdell

Happy Autism Awareness Day 💙
04/02/2026

Happy Autism Awareness Day 💙

Happy Autism Acceptance Month
04/01/2026

Happy Autism Acceptance Month

❤️
03/18/2026

❤️

Address

11124 Highway 51 N
Atoka, TN
38004

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 4pm
Tuesday 12pm - 4pm
Wednesday 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 4pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm

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