Announcing the First Innovative Program That Takes Drivers Education to the Next Level

"Behind the Wheel With ADHD" is a comprehensive program designed to help teens with ADHD learn to drive more safely.

CHICAGO -- Oct. 14, 2015: Behind the Wheel With ADHD provides driving instructors with additional training to understand the risks associated with ADHD and teen driving. Instructors are trained in the use of new tools, technologies, and strategies designed to help teens with ADHD learn to drive more safely. This is very welcome news to their loved ones, many of whom are aware of the higher incidence of car accidents among young drivers with ADHD.

Behind the Wheel With ADHD is a comprehensive program that offers both seminar participation and personal coaching. Among the seminar topics:

an overview of effective external tools that help teens compensate for executive function challenges when driving;

strategies for effectively managing medication; empowering young drivers on ways to successfully handle encounters with police officers;

an overview of the newest technologies for neutralizing risks associated with texting, cell phone use, or other potential driving related distractions; and instruction on how young drivers can develop a set of routines that can eliminate many of the risks associated with executive function challenges/ADHD and driving.

As part of the training package, instructors also receive a written training manual that serves as a resource guide to effective tools, technologies, and strategies covered during the seminar and coaching sessions. The training manual is continually updated to include new advances in the field. Instructors wishing to pursue more advanced training can do so and earn certification as a Behind the Wheel With ADHD certified instructor.

Another feature of the program is a new app specifically designed for use by the novice teen driver and his/her parents. It offers an efficient way for the novice driver to efficiently attend to all the tasks required on a comprehensive pre-trip checklist. This is an important part of planning a safe trip for anyone, but especially teens with ADHD who may forget many of the planning details. Parents are provided a smart phone application that provides immediate feedback regarding their teen's pre-trip routine and the teen's arrival at the destination.

The program highlights an enhanced Graduated Driver's License program offering specific recommendations to improve strategic competencies associated with driving skill. This is more effective than the GDL currently being used in many states, with enhanced instruction for young drivers with ADHD and/or executive function challenges. Instruction is also provided on how to effectively reduce the effects of peer pressure or other peer-related influences when behind the wheel.

Behind the Wheel With ADHD is the brainchild of Gayle Sweeney and Ann Shanahan, both ADHD coaches who work extensively with teens, college students, and young adults. The program is currently available to any privately owned driving school or any public, private, or parochial school that offers driver education. Parents wishing to enroll their teen in a driver education program offering this specialized training should check Gayle and Ann's list of "Certified Driving Schools" on the program's webpage (Behind the Wheel with ADHD) or contact their local school or driving school and request that they contact Gayle or Ann to arrange for the training and certification. Visitors to the website are encouraged to subscribe to the free blog, where updates are sent directly to your inbox.

Gayle and Ann offer a live 90-minute webinar for parents each month sponsored by Edge Foundation, Edge Foundation, a not for profit organization whose mission is to bring support to those who are non-traditional learners and those who struggle with ADHD and other related challenges. Those wishing to learn more about this webinar, please visit Edge Foundation. You are also encouraged to contact Gayle or Ann directly either by e-mail or phone: 630-674-2738.

1Barkley, R.A. & Cox, D. (2007). A review of driving risks and impairments associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the effects of stimulant medication on driving performance. Journal of Safety Research, 38, 113-128.