The NVA, the Dutch Autism Association, calls on the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, to abolish the CBR inspections for people with autism. In recent months, the NVA has itself searched for figures about the connection between autism and car accidents at several agencies, including the Dutch Association of Insurers and the ANWB. Those numbers are not there.
In recent months, following many incoming complaints, the NVA has itself investigated the abuses at the CBR. The seriousness of the complaints is so great that the NVA asks the Minister by letter to intervene immediately.
Inspection is expensive, takes a long time, is not very substantive,
As soon as someone registers with the CBR to start driving lessons, they are asked to complete a health certificate. When it is filled in that there is 'autism', the person is obliged to participate in an extra 'test', which must demonstrate the driving ability.
This inspection is expensive, takes a long time, is not very substantive and, as it turns out, is completely unnecessary. When inquiring at various authorities (see 1) and reference to previous research shows that there is no relevant connection between driving skills and the diagnosis of autism. In fact, people with autism appear to drive safer on average once they have obtained their driving license.
In addition to the fact that there is no basis for an extra program for people with autism, the NVA doubts the independence of the advice on which the program is based. The medical advisor of the CBR was himself active as an advisor in the preparation of the advice stating that people with autism must pass an additional examination. Moreover, this advice is based on a study in which autism does not occur at all.
About 200.000 people with autism live in the Netherlands.
Having a driving license is not only necessary for many people, but it also gives independence and independence. About 200.000 people with autism live in the Netherlands, and all these people have to go through this expensive and slow examination without being asked, and without any reason. Karol Henke, NVA Director: “We used to think that women would not be suitable for driving. Fortunately, we said goodbye to that outdated thought. In people with autism, however, it appears that this completely unfounded distinction is still very much alive. Not only outrageous, but also demeaning. ”
Since 2008, various authorities have repeatedly asked to actively intervene at the CBR and to put things in order. After 11 years, the NVA believes that concrete measures should be taken quickly.
This is an original message from the Dutch Autism Association (NVA)
