My eldest has Aspergers, always high functioning and with help is 99.999% like most others (if that is good). Biggest problem is overzealous drive for mods on his pickup. Yes, and he drives very well. Love that kid!
Several of my riders are on spectrum, and a few are able to ride by themselves now that they are comfortable with me. The others require guides/chaperones /assistant /caretaker to accompany and even then was a big challenge in beginning. Once these bright lights (not intended to be derogatory) became accustomed to me, their world expands and its like interacting with a near-typucal person. Most just don't get hyperbole / exaggerations, nor do they get a lot of apple-orange comparisons.
One has begun riding up front, caretaker in back sitting in middle. She is aware I will slap her hand if reach past blue tape I put on dash (painters tape) and she respects that boundary. She is an aficionado for gadgets and checks most everything out during the ride. Incl radio. My Amp is no longer used, and I will sit that on the dash and let it go through various colors. The young Miss is mesmerized. She is able to say the name of color 30 seconds away, and be correct. She can tell me when battery is low, without any other apparent indicator.
There is zero highway driving for all. It can be too bothersome / disturbing when a loud vehicle races by speeding. It's also easier on the people watchers, though most are looking at features of buildings and pointing out irregularities such as uneven curves on McDonald arch (owner was amazed, and said 1 side drooped by bit over an inch) 30 feet in the air.
The caretakers and I coordinate whenever possible due to special needs. They call for availability, I respond, and will be in front of house when request comes through. Uber is aware, and tho is outside of TOS, they are flexible to recognize the accommodation of special needs in these circumstances. I still drive on app, and at pickup I will turn on last ride since length is unknown.
I can completely understand the OP comments, actions, and defense. I also support OP giving Uber heads up. It won't affect OP, but it does help the rider and caregiver. I will even go further and say if OP were to be paired with this particular rider combination that it will become less stressful each time afterwards and panic activities will lessen to nearly nothing, if not nothing. It really does matter about familiarity of people and environment. It's unfortunate that it is not possible (within TOS and app) to request a particular driver and a particular vehicle.
Many of the caretakers have used security vests / jackets to help provide comfort and assurance. Others just need to bring along a favorite blanket / toy /stuffed animal. One brings along the *only* single emotional support animal I will ever transport, happens to be a dachshund, a breed I favor.
To clarify use of tape. I don't have to use it often, but on occasion I will. I will put pieces of tape down seat top to bottom, along edge of seat in front, along window, etc. It creates their personal space. I don't reach in, they don't reach out. Usually, the bright light (again, not derogatory) will assist by showing me where it should go or I let them do it themselves. The latter usually is more effective.
Sine don't like blue, others like white, or insist on being green (dark and light). I carry all 4 colors, plus pink, red, and black). None of them like camouflage, pattern is too irregular.
I have literally had a bright star's therapist ride along to observe the completely different person. They had to see for themselves to adjust whatever.
