1. Addressing the Sexuality and Sex Education of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Author
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Sullivan, Amanda and Caterino, Linda C.
- Subjects
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SEX education for people with intellectual disabilities , *DEVELOPMENTAL disabilities , *AUTISM , *ASPERGER'S syndrome , *SOCIAL norms , *SOCIAL skills education - Abstract
This paper addresses the need for sexuality education for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. It provides a brief overview of autism and Asperger's Syndrome as well as a summary of the existing literature regarding the sexuality of this population. The existing research suggests that there is a high frequency of sexual behaviors among individuals with these disorders. A number of these behaviors may become problematic for caregivers and service providers because they violate societal norms regarding appropriate interpersonal behavior and may jeopardize the inclusion of this group in educational and community settings. The existing sex education programs for individuals with ASD are reviewed, highlighting the major components of programs tailored to this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
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