Description
Book SynopsisChildren and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) require specialized teaching strategies when learning about puberty, sexuality and relationships. This professional resource offers practical teaching advice geared towards the needs of young people on the autism spectrum.
Beginning with information on good practice, policy, teaching methods and recent research, the book then divides into key sex education topics that assist professionals in developing their own individualized and developmentally appropriate curricula. Covering issues of gender, public and private, puberty, hygiene, emotions, sex and more, each topic provides an overview of the difficulties that children with autism might experience, discussion and activity ideas and photocopiable resources including instructional stories, checklists and illustrations. The final section demonstrates how to respond to ongoing patterns of inappropriate behaviour and put together a behaviour plan.
Aiming to explain and support the child's developing sexuality while also addressing crucial issues of safety, this book is a much-needed teaching manual for all professionals working with children and young adults with autism including educators in mainstream and special education, psychologists, therapists and social workers.
Trade ReviewHartman demystifies the area of Relationships and Sexuality Education with this clear, comprehensive and respectful 'How To' manual. She maximises the potential for success by meeting every conceivable obstacle head on and providing detailed guidance and strategies that can be adapted to meet the individual person's needs. An excellent resource for teachers of pupils with ASD. -- Mary McKenna, Special Class Teacher for children with ASD, Scoil Mhuire, Ballyboden, Ireland
Hartman's very concise and easy-to-access book on sexuality and relationships moves its readers progressively through the issues surrounding Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and associated social concepts. This book is essential reading for professionals and families alike, because it's the first if its kind to include the wider understanding of relationships, as well as sexuality. For so long those of us living with ASC have been marginalised in this regard with so little attention being given to our legitimate needs. Frankly, firmly and with sincere but gentle understanding, Hartman addresses the usual concerns of being a sexual human being (or not as the case may be) with consideration to gender and ASC. I highly recommend this book to all interested parties whose commitment to our best is their uppermost conviction. -- Wendy Lawson, psychologist, counsellor, social worker and author of Sex, Sexuality and the Autism Spectrum
Who knew there are so many things to consider when planning for sexuality and relationship instruction? Well, now we know. This book is an A to Z of what needs to be addressed and how to go about it in collaboration with parents. Great contribution to curricula for kids with ASDs! -- Rita Honan, PhD, RegPsychAFPsSI, BCBA-D, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
This book is gold. Anyone whose role it is to teach sexuality and relationship education to children and adolescents on the autism spectrum will find the answers to all their questions. Davida Hartman provides not only a convincing rationale for education in all aspects of sexuality, but also a wealth of straightforward and easy-to-apply teaching strategies. She includes references to the most up-to-date research in the area, and inspiring quotes from well-known ASD authors. She is reassuring, inclusive, positive and respectful. With this book on your shelf, you will be well equipped to teach a comprehensive, relevant and fun sexuality and relationship program to this important population of young people. -- Sarah Attwood, author of Making Sense of Sex: A Forthright Guide to Puberty, Sex and Relationships for People with Asperger's Syndrome
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Author's Notes. Part I: Understanding. 1. Introduction. 2. Sexuality, Sexuality and Relationship Education & ASD: A Summary of the Research. 3. Understanding Sexual Behaviours in Children. 4. Teaching Tools and Recommendations. 5. Working with Parents. 6. Developing Sexuality and Relationship Education Policies and Procedures. Part II: Preventing. 7. Teach Gender. 8. Teach Body Parts and Fluids. 9. Teach Growing and Changes. 10. Teach Puberty. 11. Teach Appearance and Hygiene. 12. Teach Public and Private. 13. Teach Safety Skills. 14. Teach Sexual Health. 15. Teach Conception, Pregnancy and Birth. 16. Sexuality and Relationship Education in a Modern Age. Part III: Supporting. 17. Teach Emotional Understanding and Regulation. 18. Teach Sensory Sensitivities. 19. Masturbation. 20. Teach Relationships. 21. Dating, Intimate Relationships and Sex. 22. Teach Sense of Self. Part IV: Responding. 23. Responding to 'Inappropriate' Behaviours in the Area of Sexuality and Relationships. 24. Putting Together a Plan. Appendix A: Research Articles. Appendix B: Sexuality and Relationship Education Child Checklist. Appendix C: Sexuality and Relationship Education Organisation Checklist. Appendix D: Sexuality and Relationship Education Curriculum Plan. Appendix E: Functional Behaviour Assessment. Appendix F: UPSR Sexuality and Relationship Education: Individual Behaviour Plan. Appendix G: Illustrations. References. Recommended Reading and Resources.
