This is how we do it: Sex Ed for autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults
Sex education for autistic & neurodivergent youth and young adults
Going over the “birds and bees” is a necessary part of parenting. It can be hard to know how to support your child as they navigate the uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and complex reality of puberty, dating, romance and intimacy.
School sex-ed courses are well-intentioned but often miss the mark or leave too much unaddressed — particularly for neurodiverse people. And having “the talk” can be awkward for everyone involved.
Our upcoming webinar will give parents the information and tools they need to support their adolescent or young adult through the complexities of romantic and sexual relations.
Because neurodivergent teens often lag behind their typically developing peers, they may need specific help setting appropriate boundaries and understanding consent. Difficulty understanding social cues and communication problems can lead to confusion, unnecessarily painful outcomes, and safety concerns.
Autistic and neurodivergent individuals are at greater risk of sexual assault and abuse. Sex education has been shown to help mitigate those risks, but most sex ed courses are geared toward neurotypical individuals. Neurodiversity-supporting sex education tackles the topic head-on for better health and safety outcomes, as well as romantic and intimate relationship success.
Debunking The myth of “Autistic sex”
It’s important for your neurodivergent teen or young adult to understand that most sexual behavior in childhood and adolescence is a typical and healthy part of development.
Sexuality is part of the human condition, regardless of neurotype. Old tropes that portray autistic people as sexless individuals persist, despite clear evidence that autistic people can and do have healthy sex drives and sexual relationships. Libidos vary from individual to individual, just as with sexual preferences. However, normalizing the desire for intimacy—and discussions around sex—goes a long way toward helping neurodivergent people develop safe and healthy behaviors in their romantic relationships.
"Sex education as it's taught in the schools is ineffective for individuals on the spectrum. Myths abound, like autistic people don't have sex drives or that explicit and direct instruction in sex ed will cause problems. The fact is, autistic people experience all the same variety of sex drives that the neuromajority experiences, and the more matter-of-fact the instruction, the better."
—Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP, IRL Social Skills
If your autistic/neurodivergent child or teenager engages in problematic sexual behavior, it is most likely due to social, communication or sensory issues. Social skills coaching — particularly a model that uses a peer-learning approach — provides a learning environment where neurodivergent youth and/or adults can address these issues and safely practice their communication skills.
This is how we do it: Consent or bust
Asking for and giving consent is a critical component for safe and healthy sexual relations — regardless of neurotype. Someone who has difficulty understanding nonverbal communication must develop strong communication skills in order to be able to set boundaries and give or get consent before advancing intimacy. Taking a straightforward approach is the best strategy for setting boundaries and understanding consent. For parents of neurodivergent kids and adults, this requires not just explaining the importance of consent, but also modeling it.
Meet our special guest, Dr. Jamie Barstein.
To address the need for specialized sex education for autistic, ADHD and neurodiverse teens and adults, we’ve invited Dr. Jamie Barstein to join us for a special webinar. We’ll dispel some of these persistent myths and misconceptions around sex and intimacy.
>> SPACE IS LIMITED: PURCHASE YOUR TICKET NOW
Dr. Barstein is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While trained as a child and adolescent psychologist, she is well-versed in working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities across the lifespan.
Dr. Barstein leads sex education groups for adolescents and young adults with ASD and is passionate about developing effective sex education programming and supports for neurodivergent adults. She is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who has developed a subspecialty working with autistic individuals who are exploring their sexual or gender identity.
Most autistic individuals have typical sexual and romantic feelings and desires. They have a right to sex education and to engage in sexual activities. Without proper education, autistic individuals may engage in socially inappropriate or dangerous ways of fulfilling their sexual and intimacy desires. Sex education is preventative and proactive.
—Dr. Jamie Barstein PhD
Dr. Barstein shares our commitment to creating a gender, identity and neurodiversity-affirming world where young people facing discrimination have the social, environmental, and educational support they need to thrive. We’re delighted to have Dr. Barstein on board for this special event and we hope you’ll join us.