There's a Fine Line... (Understanding Inappropriate Communication and Behaviors in Relationships)

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder are often accused of stalking or sexual harassment when romantically interested in someone because of deficits in the area of social communication. This session will focus on strategies to help participants recognize underlying reasons for these behaviors and how to address them. There is often a fine line between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Recognizing these subtle differences can be quite challenging for someone with ASD due to deficits of social communication which often result in inappropriate or lack of communication of one’s desire. Deficits in social learning can lead to failure to follow and comply with social rules and norms. For example, offering to walk a classmate home after a night class versus following them home to make sure they made it safely. In the latter, intentions are not communicated and can be seen as a harmful action, not helpful. In this session participants will learn how social communication deficits affect the ability of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to form and maintain healthy relationships. In a study by Stokes, Newton & Kaur (2007) states,

“The ASD group relied less upon peers and friends for social … and romantic learning. Individuals with ASD were more likely to engage in inappropriate courting behaviors … and were more likely to focus their attention upon celebrities, strangers, colleagues, and ex-partners, and to pursue their target longer than controls.” (pg.1969)

Through case studies, we will demonstrate how to best assess and differentiate between situations that involve behaviors defined as stalking or sexual harassment, and behaviors unique to individuals with ASD due to the challenges in the area of social communication and social interactions. Presenters will discuss providing best supports by showing participants how to create an individualized plan to address concerns involving inappropriate behaviors in relationships. Psychologists, Social Workers and Educators can utilize the information shared in this session during their work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants who attend this presentation will be able to identify how social communication deficits affect the ability of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to form and maintain healthy relationships.
• Through case study presentations, attendees will learn how to best assess and differentiate between situations that involve behaviors defined as stalking or sexual harassment, and behaviors unique to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder due to the challenges in the area of social communication and social interaction.
• Participants who attend this presentation will be able to create an individualized plan to address cases involving inappropriate behaviors in relationships.

Track: Lifespan 4 - Adulthood

Content Area: Social Skill

Presenters:

Eszter Kiss, M.A., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
West Virginia Autism Training Center, College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University

Eszter Kiss, M.A., LPC, is the Mental Health Counselor for The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University. She is a Professionally Licensed Counselor in the state of West Virginia. Ms. Kiss provides effective therapeutic services for clients diagnosed with mental disorders.

Bianca Hynes, M.A.
Student Support Specialist
Marshall University

Bianca Hynes, M.A., is a Student Support Specialist for The College Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University. Her educational background is in the field of mental health counseling. She specializes in using a person-centered & individualized approach to serving college students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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