Sexuality Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and ASD - 2/28/2025
About the Course
Teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a formal environment to understand their sexuality is generally ignored, until it becomes a problem. Like any other subject, addressing sexuality with instructional focus requires starting early, preparing the students before puberty begins and teaching facts and appropriate behaviors. This course will debunk the myths and facts surrounding sexuality within this specific population while demonstrating how to break down barriers and build a comprehensive sexuality education program for students from elementary through adulthood. Strategies will be taught on enabling each individual to be safe from exploitation and abuse, more independent and more integrated into their own communities resulting in a more positive quality of life will be provided.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Identify the meaning of healthy sexuality.
- List professional responsibilities for teaching healthy sexuality.
- List 3 goals and 3 attitudes associated with sexuality education.
- Identify the basic elements for discussing sexuality.
- Identify 4 facts and 4 myths about sexuality and development disability.
- List 3 reasons professionals avoid sexuality education.
- Identify the statistics for gender expression and physical attraction for DD individuals.
- Identify the 5 basic skill areas that need to be taught for sexuality education.
- Recognize why hygiene is the most important basic sexuality health and safety skill.
- List the 3 P’s of Sexuality Social Skills
- List 3 ways ID/DD individuals learn about sexual relationships.
- Identify 4 facts to teach regarding sexuality and relationships.
- Identify 4 hidden rules regarding personal and private space.
- Recognize abuse prevention training techniques.
- Identify the steps for teaching safe dating.
- List 4 challenges in establishing formal sexuality education.
About the Author
Melanie H. Johnston, M.A. is the Executive Director of BRITE Success, LLC, which provides services to individuals with intellectual and development disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She completed her education with a BS from Texas Christian University in Speech Pathology, and MA from University of Texas, Austin in Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education. She is a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist, TEA Certified Teacher and IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist and trained Sexuality Educator. Melanie has been a sought-after speaker speaking nationally at conferences and for professional trainings across the country. She is the recipient of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) 2013 Education Award. Currently, she sits on the Special NeedsWare (Oneder) Advisory Board, Elevatus Training Advisory Board and continues to advocate for all individuals with disabilities.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Occupational Therapy
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
