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Question:
I am a special education teacher who has been asked to teach 12 yr. old autistic students about their budding sexuality. can you point me to come resources
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Answer:
by Melissa BEE: (05/17/2004)
My initial response is "What resources?"
Unfortunately sexuality and autism is simply 'not discussed' amongst the autism academia. Trying to find anything pertinent, relevant or even on-topic is near impossible. However, in view of the lack of information, I'm attempting to do something though it's more long term than for your current needs. I'm currently doing some research and will be approaching a number of people individually whom either have Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD] or who are the parents/carers/teachers of the same for their thoughts & experiences, which I will put on the web for at least some reference to. Shared experiences are very important for auties and those who care for them in understanding the complexity of the condition and how to deal with it.
As an adult with autism and mother of two children with ASD I have approached many issues with my children's learning and copeability from a problem solving approach, and others from a planned and preventative approach. Lack of appropriate social behaviour can stem from both a lack of knowledge, an unavailability of a parent and teacher (collaboratively) to teach, and lack of appropriate social circumstances to practise in.
My children are currently aged 9 (girl) aged 12 (boy) In regards to teaching about one's body, about appropriate social relationships and about sex, gender and sexuality, I've simply used an age appropriate teaching, some resources "HOW SEX WORKS - Everything you need to know about growing up, starting relationships and becoming sexually active" Elizabeth Fenwick & Ricard Walker, RD Press, 1994 has been invaluable. It is written for the teenager aged 11-18. When I first got the book a year ago and I encouraged their use of it, my son seized it immediately and asked me if it had information about tampons. He wanted to know what a tampon was. A question I think he would never have asked me. For them, its suitable and appropriate at certain times.
For the highly functioning autistic child that copes well with touching, and is not socially inept, I personally think a 'normal' approach to sex education is understood. Of course you always need to keep in mind what information to present, how much and how frequently, based on that child's learning style and comprehension of the material, as well as their parents' own value systems and feelings about sex, sexuality and so on. Some topics are taboo for some parents, and sex, sadly is one of them.
I really can't add any more than that.
Please feel free to ask any more questions, and thank you for dropping in to The Sexual Health Network
Melissa BEE
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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