Developing a Best-Practices Approach To Teaching Sexual Safety To ASD Individuals

In the past 20 years, there has been limited attention in the literature regarding sexual behavior in adolescents and young adults with ASD. Yet it is vital that this population, which is more vulnerable, be afforded curriculum that includes sexual safety and foundational information. We will present the influence of caregiver and professional attitudes on delivery of instruction as well as ways to integrate necessary topics into an ABA-based program. In the past 20 years, there has been limited attention in the literature regarding sexual behavior in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  There are approximately five studies that are frequently cited in the literature when discussing sexual behavior in individuals with ASD. These studies have limited sample size and have been conducted on populations outside of the United States.

While these adolescents and young adults have extensive behavioral and emotional difficulties, there is a lack of research investigating their sexual awareness/knowledge and parental attitudes related to sex education and sexual practices in this group.  It became apparent that it could also be helpful to conduct a study that explored cultural, religious, regional, cognitive, gender, and maternal and paternal perspectives.

This presentation hopes to address the following learning objectives:

• Provide an expanded awareness and knowledge base related to sexual behavior in adolescents and young adults with ASD. Specific knowledge will be shared in the following areas: the need for privacy, sex education, appropriate sexual behaviors, and parental concerns.
• Provide tools for the development of educational, behavioral, and social skills programs based on the cognitive development of the specific adolescent or young adult that address privacy, social behavior, and parental concerns.
• Provide curricula addressing topics related to sexual safety in an ABA-based framework.

Information presented will provide parents and professionals with an understanding of the need for privacy, appropriate sex education, and appropriate sexual behaviors in adolescents and young adults with ASD. It is hoped that behavioral and educational strategies will be implemented both within the home and school in accordance with the adolescent or young adult’s cognitive, psychological, and social development.  It is further hoped that the insights given to attendees will facilitate the implementation of strong support systems leading to more independent lives for individuals with ASD.