Building Capacity to Deliver Sex Education to Individuals with Autism
Date
2016
Authors
Curtiss, Sarah L.
Ebata, Aaron
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
Professionals from a variety of fields are called upon to understand the needs of individuals with
autism, advocate for services, and provide sexuality education, however, few have formal
training. This study examined a process to build capacity for individuals with autism to receive
human sexuality education through training professionals via a one day workshop and providing
ongoing education online. To better understand both the context for professionals and the
outcomes of the training we examined the reasons participants attended, their work climate
surrounding issues of human sexuality education for individuals with autism, the extent to which
the training changed instructional behavior and perceptions of readiness, and the differential
effectiveness of follow-up education based on online delivery modality (Facebook update or
email message). Participants were interested in attending a training on human sexuality
education even if they had no intention to teach this topic. In general, the climate among
attendees was positive for teaching human sexuality education both in terms of their own values
and their perceptions of support by others. The workshop and follow-up online education were
effective for increasing instructional behavior and feelings of readiness.
Description
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder , Human sexuality education , Online education , Professional development
Citation
Curtiss, S.L., & Ebata, A.T. (2016). Building capacity to deliver sex education to individuals with autism. Sexuality and Disability, 34, 27-47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-016-9429-9