C.R.U.I.S.E. Driving Program
We all know the statistics: Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S.
Teens with AD/HD are up to four times more likely to be involved in — and at fault for — car accidents, and six to eight times more likely to have their driver’s license suspended.
Teens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face additional challenges. Safe driving requires multiple executive functioning skills working together seamlessly — attention, planning, flexibility, processing speed, decision-making, and motor coordination. For many of these teens, that level of coordination doesn’t come easily.
That’s where The Children’s TLC’s one-of-a-kind C.R.U.I.S.E. program — Community Rehabilitation Using Interactive Simulation Education — makes a difference. Grounded in years of clinical expertise, research, and neuroscience, C.R.U.I.S.E. equips ALL teens with the critical skills they need to become safe, confident drivers—and gain the independence they deserve.
Our Approach
C.R.U.I.S.E. provides individualized, therapeutic intervention for teens who are capable of driving but would benefit from one-on-one instruction beyond traditional community or in-school classes. The program focuses on building the underlying skills needed for safe driving and reducing risk-taking behaviors.
Lessons include hands-on labs that are personalized, engaging, and effective, making learning both fun and meaningful. Computer-based driving simulations with guided tutorials offer immediate feedback and progressively build skills.
In addition, interactive therapeutic interventions target the motor and cognitive processing skills essential for safe driving—all while keeping teens motivated, focused, and actively engaged.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from C.R.U.I.S.E.
Driving is one of the most cognitively demanding tasks a teen will learn, requiring attention, processing speed, coordination, decision-making, and self-regulation to work together in real time. Difficulties in any of the below areas will impact their ability to drive safely.
- Eye-hand coordination
- Visual scanning and visual-spatial mastery
- Ability to multi-task
- Planning, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Judgment of speed and perceived distances while moving
- Motor skills to effectively steer, accelerate, brake, and shift, using the controls in a smooth, graded, and sequential manner
- Impulse Control
- Flexible thinking to change in unexpected occurrences
- Focus and divided attention when presented with a variety of distractions
- Ability to anticipate hazards and actions of other drivers
- Processing Speed
- Emotional regulation and self-awareness of stress and fatigue
Teen Driving Statistics
- Car crashes are the single leading cause of death in teens in the U.S.
- Teens are 4 times more likely to die in a car accident than adults
- Drivers who talk or text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash
- Distracted driving accounts for 9 teen deaths every day
- More than 75% of teens admit to texting while driving
- The risk for motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19 year olds than any other age group
- 1 in 5 16 year-old drivers have an accident within their first year of driving
Teens Driving with AD/HD are:
- 4 times more likely to be involved in crashes
- 4 times more likely to be at fault for accidents
- 3 times more likely to be cited for speeding
- 6-8 times more likely to have their license suspended
C.R.U.I.S.E. Specifics
- Consists of up to 34 sessions based on 6 therapeutic key components
- A pre-test to assess baseline skills and to help the trainer individualize each teen’s learning plan
- Hands-on labs that are individualized, engaging, fun and effective for learning
- Computerized simulated driving lessons with tutorials
- Interactive therapeutic interventions focusing on motor and process skills needed for safe driving
- Post-testing to measure progress and determine readiness for driving
- Daily performance scores to track improvement over time
- Home program with supportive handouts for continued practice
- Active parent involvement to reinforce skills and support success
FAQ
Who is eligible to participate in the C.R.U.I.S.E. program?
C.R.U.I.S.E. was originally developed by an occupational therapist for teens with diagnoses such as AD/HD, Autism, Anxiety, Dyslexia, and Executive Functioning Disorders; however, any teen needing extra support can benefit from C.R.U.I.S.E.
Who administers the C.R.U.I.S.E. program?
Specially trained therapists and interventionists with advanced-level course knowledge in driving rehabilitation and training implement the program under the supervision of occupational therapist and creator of the C.R.U.I.S.E. Program, Kari Thompson, OTD, OTR/L, BCP.
What options exist for funding the C.R.U.I.S.E. program?
- Private Pay (Out of pocket)
- Katie Beckett Medicaid / Family Direct Funding / YES Program