Skip to main content

News and Knowledge

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 people with autism.

Unlike OAR’s other resources, this guide, Sex Ed. for Self-Advocates, will be entirely web-based to ensure that those who need it can easily access this vital information. Though the guide primarily serves self-advocates, it will also include tips and a list of resources for families and educators.

The resource is designed for use by self-advocates age 15 and up. It will be divided into nine sections. Users can focus on the sections they are interested in or navigate through the guide from beginning to end. Self-advocates will be able to read articles and watch brief videos in each section before testing their knowledge and practicing new skills through interactive modules. The nine sections of the resource focus on:

  • Puberty
  • Privacy
  • Healthy relationships
  • Consent
  • Personal values and boundaries
  • Dating
  • Online dating and safety
  • Sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Sexual activity

OAR expects the new resource will be available by April 1. Sign up to be notified as soon as it is released. Please contact programs@researchautism.org with any comments or questions.