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| Promoting Appropriate Sexual Behaviors for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Effective Curricula and Teaching Strategies |
| Friday, May 22, 2015 |
| 8:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| 217A (CC) |
| Area: AUT/DDA; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Frank Cicero, Ph.D. |
| FRANK R. CICERO (Eden II Programs) |
| Description: Sexuality is a topic that is difficult, or at least uncomfortable, for many professionals and parents to discuss, however it is a topic that will often be an issue for the majority of individuals on the autistic spectrum. Deficits in social skills, communication, and perspective taking are core autism characteristics leading to these issues. Applied behavior analytic treatments can be highly effective in promoting appropriate sexual behaviors and sexual expression in adolescents and adults on the spectrum. This workshop will focus on behaviorally based strategies useful for individuals on all ends of the spectrum. This talk will begin with an overview of general issues regarding sexuality in ASD. We will discuss topics such as sexual development, sexuality knowledge, sexual behaviors both appropriate and inappropriate, issues regarding consent and common parent concerns. We will then move into suggested curriculum topics. Treatment strategies discussed will include, but are not limited to, reinforcement-based procedures, video modeling, task analysis schedules, picture activity schedules, scripts and script fading, and social stories. Empirically supported literature and data will be presented where applicable and available. Although sexuality is an issue that often comes to the forefront in adolescence, information on sexuality is important for individuals of all ages. Topics related to ethical decision making also will be discussed. Audience questions and discussion will be welcomed. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the workshop, participants should be able to: (1) create an individualized sexuality curriculum for individuals on the spectrum; (2) design a task analysis for skill acquisition of several sexual behaviors; and (3) develop a behavior intervention plan for decreasing inappropriate sexual behavior in public. |
| Activities: 1. Didactic instruction from the presenter. 2. Group discussion. 3. Presentation and review of teaching materials. 4. Role play and practice of presented teaching procedures. |
| Audience: 1. Experienced behavior analysts who have a desire to learn how to apply behavioral principles and teaching methods to the subject of sexual behavior. 2. Educators and related service professionals who have a behavioral background and work with children on the autism spectrum that have needs in the area of sexuality. 3. Although not specifically geared toward parents and family members of individuals on the spectrum, parents would be welcomed to attend. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |