This episode focuses on autism and driving. We discuss why it is important for driving instructors to understand and recognise autism.

We are joined by University of Nottingham researcher Dr Lizzy Sheppard, Dr Julia Malkin MBE, an autistic driving instructor who has over 18 years of experience training driving instructors on how to support neurodivergent learner drivers and Laurie, an autistic person who has previously had driving lessons but does not yet have a license. Laurie and Julia share their experiences of learning to drive and their opinions on the research being carried out by Lizzy and other researchers in the team.

To complement this episode, we have written a short brief summarizing the research and offering a "call to action" to promote meaningful change. You can read the brief here.

You can also listen to the full Series 1 wherever you get your podcasts.

Get in touch via X/Twitter, Instagram or e-mail.

Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠

Edited by Florence Lesinski–Tubby (Instagram: @forestspiritflorence / @watchalongurn)

Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠ / Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠

Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski)

Notts Psych Pod team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Prof Nicola Pitchford, Dr Lauren Marsh, Rachel Grasmeder Allen, Grace Baranowski and Florence Lesinski–Tubby.

This podcast was funded by a Research England QR Policy Support award.