Conceptualizing Sexuality Education for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description

Abstract

This workshop is designed to provide an overview of sexuality education as it is uniquely addressed to meet the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The workshop will begin with an overview of topics that need to be included in comprehensive sexuality education (e.g., biological aspects of sexuality, sexual safety, public masturbation, sexuality orientation and gender identity, etc.). Curricula that may be useful to individuals seeking to acquire expertise in sexuality education will be discussed. Resources for acquiring expertise in sexuality education will be provided. Attendees can expect to leave with knowledge regarding the topic of sexuality education but should not anticipate acquiring the expertise needed to provide sexuality education to individuals with ASD at the conclusion of the workshop.

About the Speaker

Susan Wilczynski is the Plassman Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Before joining the faculty at Ball State University (BSU), she served as the executive director of the National Autism Center where she chaired the National Standards Project, the most comprehensive systematic review of autism literature completed to date. She currently serves as the Director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at BSU. She developed the first center-based treatment program in the state of Nebraska while on faculty at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and was the first female faculty member with a research lab in the psychology department at the University of Southern Mississippi. Wilczynski has edited multiple books and manuals on evidence-based practice and autism and has published scholarly works in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Modification, Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Psychology in the Schools, and Education and Treatment of Children. She is a licensed psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst. Wilczynski won the 2011 Wing Institute Award for her contributions to evidence-based practice and autism and is currently the president of the special interest group on evidence-based practice of the Association of Behavior Analysis International.