News and Knowledge

Summary: More of a literature review than a study Koller, nonetheless, provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of, and challenges to, the provision of sexuality education for learners with ASD. Noting that sexuality is a central factor in defining who we are and includes our understanding and acceptance of values, relationships, self-image and so forth, Koller goes on to cite the fact that only 5% of children in America today receive sex education. And with regards to learners with ASD the author borrows from T. Shakespeare (1996) in stating that sexuality education is a “problem, because it is not an issue, or is an issue, because it is seen as a problem.” We either believe there is no need which is itself a significant problem or view the sexual behavior and/or interests of learners with disabilities as being the problem. Neither is correct nor acceptable. The goal, the author explains, of sexuality education should be to protect the learner from abuse and/or exploitation, teach healthy and safe sex habits, and promote a positive concept of self. In addition, instruction needs to be individualized, systematic, consistent, on-going and will need to consistently reinforce appropriate responding. As such, “the question becomes not if sexuality education can or should be provided for individuals with autism, but how it will be offered.” (p. 133).

References

Koller, R. (2000). Sexuality and adolescents with autism. Sexuality and Disability. 18, 125-135.