Sorry about that. I haven't been following this whole thread - it's too long now for me to catch up! I think I rejoined the conversation a little late and must've missed some pertinent info. I was pointing out that there are lots of ways to be productive and function without driving. I see how that would be difficult in very isolated places. My son uses other means to get where he needs to be (public transportation, walking, private driving services, carpooling). He's pretty independent, but is definitely atypical socially. He just takes care of business without small talk. He's a literal genius, but doesn't do chitchat. He kind of views ASD like Deaf culture, if that makes sense.
