Sexuality is a part of every person’s life, and education about sexuality and sexual health is essential. However, this area is often overlooked for autistic individuals. The neglect of this topic and these skills can have consequences for the autistic individual’s quality of life, sexual health, and safety. As educators who have worked in clinical…
In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight applied autism research studies in 2024. These new grants, totaling $297,569, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $5 million since 2002. This article is the third of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Sexual and reproductive health is a…
Sexuality and relationship education includes a wide range of information: changing bodies, dating, kissing, gender identity, being turned down for a date, healthy relationships, and more. We know that teaching kids about sexuality and relationships is the best way to keep them healthy and safe. Despite this knowledge, we are not given a lot of…
The internet connects billions of people around the world, providing information and opportunities to bond with others around shared interests. Just as in your school, place of worship, or with any community group, the internet connects many different kinds of people. For example, there are online communities of teens and adults on the autism spectrum…
Autism Training for Sexual Assault Counselors is designed for college sexual assault counselors to provide them with information about autism and guidance on working with autistic survivors of sexual assault. The 90-minute training includes three modules: Autism Sexual assault and autism Counseling sexual assault survivors who are autistic The modules are designed to provide learners…
Throughout April and May, OAR teamed up with experts and researchers to deliver a four-part webinar series on the themes of sexuality and relationships. The series featured researchers who conducted studies related to dating, relationships, and sexuality, giving and receiving consent, friendship development, and communication and conflict management. Each webinar provided both extensive information and practical…
In any relationship you have, there will be agreements and disagreements. That is normal. As you get to know an acquaintance, for example, you may disagree on the best pizza place in town. Or a friend may accidentally forget what time you were going to meet to play video games. Disagreements and mistakes happen in…
Sexuality and gender are spectrums, as is autism. People’s sexuality and gender identities do not necessarily conform to specific guidelines. In fact, it is more common for autistic individuals to deviate from gender norms. Gender norms are set ideas that attempt to dictate the ways a person should act, look, and identify based on their…
A documentary series following young people with autism as they experience the world of dating is set to return. The second season of “Love on the Spectrum” will debut on Netflix this month with six new 45-minute episodes.
