Healthy dating relationships are an important part of development. However, a significant number of high school students say that they have experienced dating violence. While there are not national statistics on how many young people with autism have had similar experiences, the fact that many people with autism have trouble with social skills is a…
OAR’s 2018 webinar, Sexuality on the Spectrum: What We Know and What We Don’t Know, explains the current knowledge base around sexuality and relationships and breaks down the current best practices for parents and educators approaching these issues with young people with autism. The webinar presenters were Dr. Peter Gerhardt, the chair of OAR’s Scientific…
Transgender/gender-diverse people experience gender dysphoria, a mismatch between their gender identity and sex assumed at birth. Gender dysphoria occurs frequently with autism. In fact, studies report that as many as 22.5 percent of transgender individuals have existing ASD diagnoses and as many as 15 percent of autistic adults report a transgender identity. Depsite those statistics,…
Sexuality education is an important subject in terms of personal growth, development, and safety, but it can also be a daunting one. OAR’s online resource focused on sexuality education, Sex Ed. for Self-Advocates, helps teens and emerging adults on the autism spectrum begin to tackle these important issues. This resource is specific to the needs of…
In October, OAR released an audio version of the Sex Ed. for Self-Advocates guide. Topics of sex, sexuality, and relationships are very important in terms of personal growth, development, and safety, but few resources exist about them that directly address the needs and concerns of people with autism. By widening the accessibility of this resource,…
Jump to Episode: Episode 1: Public vs. Private Episode 2: Puberty (non-binary) Episode 2.5: Puberty (gendered) Episode 3: Healthy Relationships Episode 4: Consent Episode 5: Dating 101 Episode 6: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Episode 7: Am I Ready? Episode 8: Sexual Activity Episode 9: Online Relationships and Safety Episode 1: Public vs.…
OAR is developing a new resource to help people with autism better understand sexuality and personal relationships. This is an important subject in terms of personal growth, development, and safety, but it can also be a daunting one. We are excited to create a resource on this topic that is specific to the needs of…
In October, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight new applied autism research studies in 2019. These new grants, totaling $228,036, bring OAR’s total research funding to over $3.7 million since 2002. This is the fourth of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. For most adults, including those with autism, sexuality…
OAR is developing a new resource to help people with autism better understand sexuality and personal relationships. This is an important subject in terms of personal growth, development, and safety, but it can also be a daunting one. We are excited to create a resource on this topic that is specific to the needs of…
In October, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight new applied autism research studies in 2019. These new grants, totaling $228,036, bring OAR’s total research funding to over $3.7 million since 2002. This is the second of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Approximately 10 percent of all U.S. high…
