If you’re looking for information on human sexuality and Autism Spectrum Disorders, then The Birds and the Bees is the place to go. This website is designed to provide information to parents, professionals, and self-advocates on how to teach human sexuality to individuals with special needs with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. It also is a great source for resources in this area. This site is created by our vary own graduate assistant, Sarah Curitss.
S.T.A.R.S.: A Social Skills Training Guide for Teaching Assertiveness, Relationship Skills, and Sexual Awareness by Susan Heighway & Susan Webster
(XSS Heigh 2008)
Educate young adults and build their self-esteem so they can make informed choices! Specially designed for teaching adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, the STARS model focuses on four areas: Understanding Relationships, Social Skills Training, Sexual Awareness, and Assertiveness—with the goals of promoting positive sexuality and preventing sexual abuse. Assessment tools help identify the strengths and needs of each individual, and then the activities can be catered to address specific needs. Pp.189.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health by Catherine Davies, Med, MSc, CPsychol, LMHC, and Melissa Dubie MS.
(XAT Davie 2012)
This book is a frank, up-to-date resource on sexuality tailored to the unique characteristics of high-functioning adolescents and adults on the spectrum. The curriculum comes complete with lessons, activities, handouts, resources, and more. The accompanying CD contains all the handouts for easy duplication and individualization. Pp. 400.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
Sexuality Education for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities by DiAnn Baxley and Anna Zendell.
(XAT Braxle 2005instr)
This is an instructional manual for parents or caregiver and individuals with developmental disabilities. It is the companion to “Sexuality Across the Lifespan” (XAT Baxle 2005life). Download the PDF for free here.
Sexuality Across the Lifespan by DiAnn Baxley and Anna Zendell.
(XAT Baxle 2005life)
This is an instructional guide for parents/caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. Downloaded from . Manual is also available (XAT Baxle 2005instr). You can download the PDF version of this book for free here.
The Facts of Life…and More by Leslie Walker-Hirsch.
(XAT Walke 2007)
The volume enables professionals to support people with intellectual disabilities in making decisions regarding their sexuality. The first section of the book explores the relationship between special education and sexuality education. The second section discusses sexuality and intellectual disability as a cultural phenomenon. Section three addresses the risks associated with sexual activity. The final section of the book suggests and defines various types of treatment, education, counseling, and therapy. It also examines issues of consent, abuse, dysfunction, and mental health. Pp. 298.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
Making Sense of Sex: A Forthright Guide to Puberty, Sex and Relationships for People with Asperger’s Syndrome By Sarah Attwood.
(XAT Attwo 2008)
This book describes developments in both the male and female body, and explains how to maintain hygiene and personal care, and to promote general good health. The author examines emotional changes, including moods and sexual feelings, and provides comprehensive information on sex, sexual health and reproduction. She looks at the nature of friendship, how it changes from childhood to adulthood and its importance as a basis for sexual encounter. She also offers coping strategies for different social experiences, from bullying to dating, and includes essential tips on the politics of mature behaviour, such as knowing the difference between public and personal topics of conversation. Pp.320.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
The “What’s happening to My Body” Book for Boys, Revised Third Edition (What’s Happening to My Body?) by Lynda Madaras.
(XAT Madar 2007 boy)
This book features detailed coverage, in age-appropriate language, of the body’s changing size and shape, the growth spurt, the reproductive organs, voice changes, romantic and sexual feelings, puberty in the opposite sex, and much more. Includes a comprehensive resource section and line drawings. For ages 10 and up. Pp.272.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
The “What’s Happening to My Body” Book for Girls, Revised Third Edition (What’s Happening to My Body?) by Lynda Madaras.
(XAT Madar 2007 girl)
This book features detailed coverage, in age-appropriate language, of the body’s changing size and shape, the growth spurt, the reproductive organs, the menstrual cycle, romantic and sexual feelings, puberty in the opposite sex, and much more. Includes a comprehensive resource section and line drawings. For ages 10 and up. Pp.304.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris.
(XAT Harri 2004)
This book is organized into several sections and addresses the basics of various ‘sex’ topics: sex and sexuality, physiology, puberty, the ‘scientific’ side of reproduction, health issues, and family life. The discussion is both frank and appropriate; assuming your child has begun asking questions and/or started through puberty. Pp.96.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
Asperger’s Syndrome And Sexuality: From Adolescence Through Adulthood by Isabelle Henault and Tony Attwood.
(XAT Henau 2006)
This book provides practical information and advice on issues ranging from puberty, sexual development and gender identity disorder to couples therapy and maintaining sexual boundaries. It is a comprehensive sex education program for those with AS. Pp. 208.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
Love, Sex, and Long-Term Relationships: What people with Asperger Syndrome Really, Really Want by Sarah Hendricks.
( XAD Hendr 2008)
For the first time people with AS discuss their desires, needs and preferences in their own words. AS attitudes to issues such as gender, sexual identity and infidelity are included, as well as positive advice for developing relationships and exploring options and choices for sexual pleasure. Pp. 144.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
Autism-Asperger’s and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond by Jerry Newport and Mary Newport.
(XAD Newpo 2002)
This is a personal look at the sexual challenges of those diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. The authors were both diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as adults. They spent much of their lives trying to be “normal” and never quite fitting in. Yet they beat the odds by becoming one of the few married couples with autism that have not only found love, but kept it alive. Pp. 205.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.
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