Supporting the Social-Sexual Development of People on the Autism Spectrum

• By: Consuelo Senior, LMSW YAI
• January 1st, 2017
• sexuality, sexuality education, winter 2017 issue
• 2040    0

Sexuality refers to the total expression of who you are as a human being. Our sexuality begins in the womb and ends at death (Freud, 1986). Everyone is a sexual being, babies, children, teens, adults and the elderly. Sexuality is therefore experienced throughout the developmental lifespan. So why...

Not as Scary as it May Sound: Getting an Early Start to Sexuality Education for Young Children with ASD

• By: Krista Nelson, BFA Shana Nichols, PhD ASPIRE Center for Learning and Development
• January 1st, 2017
• sexuality, sexuality education, winter 2017 issue, young children
• 2094    0

After reading the title of this article, you may have taken pause – if so, you are not alone. The idea of providing sexuality education for very young children with ASD is likely to raise questions and may generate uncomfortable feelings; this can be a challenging topic. Despite the difficult...

Sexuality, the “Double Vulnerability,” and Youth with ASDs

• By: Samara P. Tetenbaum, PhD Shana Nichols, PhD ASPIRE Center for Learning and Development
• April 1st, 2011
• adolescents, children, exploitation, inappropriate behaviors, legal system, masturbation, relationships, sexcuality, sexuality education, social deficits
• 6333    3

The social deficits of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) place them at an increased risk of experiencing physical or sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation (Gabriels, 2007). However, these same social impairments can also increase their vulnerability to engaging in inappropriate behavior...