About this Webinar
Individuals on the autism spectrum are sexual beings and there is opportunity in the ABA field for helping autistic people learn skills related to dating and sexuality.
This webinar is eligible for 1 General CE.
Sexuality & the Spectrum: Lessons on ABA, Dating, and Love, Autism‑Style
This session, which features a woman on the autism spectrum sharing her firsthand perspective, will discuss how BCBAs can focus on teaching dating skills in their professional practice and the potential challenges involved with teaching these skills. Strategies and resources will also be offered to help professionals and parents begin conversations about relationships and sexuality with their children and clients.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to:
- List the misconceptions around autism, sexuality, and ABA, and the potential serious consequences of not teaching dating and sexuality skills
- Understand the potential for using ABA to teach dating and relationship skills to individuals on the spectrum and the challenges involved in teaching these skills
- Apply specific strategies when opening a dialogue about sexuality and dating with their children and clients
About the Guest Speaker
Amy Gravino, M.A
President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, Autism sexuality advocate, Relationship Coach
Autism sexuality advocate and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. She is also the President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for organizations, schools, individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Amy is an international speaker who has given TED talks, spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented worldwide to audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on the subject of autism and sexuality.
Ms. Gravino obtained her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University in 2010 and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Yes She Can, Inc. and the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, as well as the Scientific Advisory Board of Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK). She is an award-winning writer who has co-authored a chapter on autism and sexuality in the Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and her work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, and other outlets. Visit amygravino.com to learn more.
