Adolescents with autism and sexual health: let's tackle the gap!

• Main Author: Gray, Ashley Nicole
• Other Authors: Jacobs, Karen
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: Occupational therapy
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/2144/42567

The literature has shown that although, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to be excluded from sexual health education (Davies & Dubie, 2012). A lack of adequate sex education puts them at risk for negative factors. The literature has shown that intense and proper education usually does not take place until the individual with ASD has been the victim or committed a sexual offense (Group & Watter, 2018; Loftin & Hartlage, 2015). Sexual Health education should take place in the home, school and community settings for all individuals with ASD. The Sexual Health Education and Expression for Adolescents with Autism (SHEA) program serves an online teaching curriculum for entry and advanced level occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to become more competent and equipped in addressing sexuality and educational needs in ASD. The vision of the SHEA program is to provide essential sexual health education to individuals with ASD, OTPs and provide an additional resource for the caregivers and health care professionals. The author’s overall goal of the SHEA program is to improve the educational gap in learned sexual behaviors in individuals with Autism; therefore, decreasing the chance of an inappropriate behavior or experience to take place. Education is key! As OTPs, we must go over and beyond to keep our client’s safe. We must sell our expertise in all areas of practice. We are creative! We are unique!