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This session will address what is known in this area regarding concerns and how victimization and abuse can be prevented by just having a healthy understanding of sexuality and access to appropriate reporting options.  Additionally having skills to communicate situations that may be problematic or where assistance is needed is essential and needs to be available through integrated educational opportunities.  Addressing existing community resources and providing initial assistance programs through natural circles of support can also be a road to success for individuals on the autism spectrum. Along with victimization and abuse, this session will address bullying and how to address it with appropriate response instead of retaliation..

There will also be a discussion on appropriate use of internet sites such as Myspace and Facebook.  Today there are many cases of reported victimization of teens being lured from such sites, participating in illegal activity, and utilizing the sites in ways where others may think the activity is of a harassment or stalking nature.  Many teens with autism are finding themselves being involved in relationships that are not base on factual individuals thereby causing both confusion and frustration.   The following areas will be covered in this section:

Underlying Dangers of Internet Use:

I.                    Current Trends Among Teens using the Internet

II.                 What is safe personal information to use

III.               When actions can be perceived as illegal

IV.              Knowing how to report abusive situations

V.                 Identifying predators

VI.              Preventing disclosure that could be harmful

VII.            Developing healthy relationships

VIII.         What laws govern internet use

Another factor in personal safety is learning what actions could be perceived as violating the law in both personal and financial situations.  Many times individuals with autism may not understand what may be comfortable for others when engaged in both a social or romantic relationship.  Knowing what could be misunderstood, within budding physical relationships, could also lead to actions that may result in a violation of the law if affections are not warranted.  Additionally within financial matters, many times individuals with ASD may not understand the nuances of finacial commitments via credit lines or loaning funds to other individuals.  This would hold true as well in passing on information to others when there is not the understanding when doing so the person could be considered part of the criminal process.

Many situations that are addressed may be lessons and practices that are taken for granted on a daily basis.  But through open discussion these important elements of life will not go overlooked.  Strategies for identifying those best suited and utilizing supporters who are already in place within natural circles have also worked best in providing adequate educations in these areas.  Providing community education to understand deficits is also important to allow for these areas to be understood and thus be subjects that can be addressed beyond immediate family and friends.