Sexuality-related behaviour may often be present when working with children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other related diagnoses. While it is clear that access to comprehensive sexuality education is a vital contributor to health, safety, and overall quality of life, this aspect of education is often overlooked for those on the autism spectrum. As such, individuals may engage in contextually inappropriate sexual behaviour, or behaviour that places them at risk. This talk will address some proactive and reactive ways to address sexuality-related behaviour, as well as some teaching methods that are applicable to real life scenarios.

2 Learning Objectives

1. Participants will demonstrate understanding of proactive strategies including goal setting and teaching targets related to sexuality education for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
2. Participants will demonstrate understanding of reactive strategies to employ that may help increase teaching moments.

About the Presenter

Jessica Cauchi

Jessica Cauchi is a registered behaviour analyst, living and working in Ontario Canada, as an Assistant Professor at Brock University. Jessica obtained her Ph.D from Endicott College, and is a doctoral level Board Certified Behaviour Analyst as well as a Certified Progressive Behaviour Analyst Autism Professional. Jessica is passionate about using the science of behaviour to improve the lives of others, which is evident in her teaching, research, and clinical practices. Her particular areas of focus are sexuality education for individuals with exceptional learning needs, teaching real life skills that improve the quality of life for recipients of behaviour analytic services, progressive ABA, and teaching rapport building.