Sexuality and Relationship Education for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Davida Hartman is the Director and Senior Educational Psychologist at The Children's Clinic, Dublin, providing child and educational psychology services to children 0-18. She is a lecturer and trainer in the area of autism and consults to a number of different groups and agencies. She has been working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum for sixteen years in the capacity of a psychologist and a teacher. Davida received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, her MA in Educational Psychology from University College Dublin, and she is a Registered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Her website can be visited at www.thechildrensclinic.ie.

Hartman's very concise and easy-to-access book on sexuality and relationships moves its readers progressively through the issues surrounding Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and associated social concepts. This book is essential reading for professionals and families alike, because it's the first if its kind to include the wider understanding of relationships, as well as sexuality. For so long those of us living with ASC have been marginalised in this regard with so little attention being given to our legitimate needs. Frankly, firmly and with sincere but gentle understanding, Hartman addresses the usual concerns of being a sexual human being (or not as the case may be) with consideration to gender and ASC. I highly recommend this book to all interested parties whose commitment to our best is their uppermost conviction.

• Acknowledgements. Author's Notes. Part I: Understanding. 1. Introduction. 2. Sexuality, Sexuality and Relationship Education & ASD: A Summary of the Research. 3. Understanding Sexual Behaviours in Children. 4. Teaching Tools and Recommendations. 5. Working with Parents. 6. Developing Sexuality and Relationship Education Policies and Procedures. Part II: Preventing. 7. Teach Gender. 8. Teach Body Parts and Fluids. 9. Teach Growing and Changes. 10. Teach Puberty. 11. Teach Appearance and Hygiene. 12. Teach Public and Private. 13. Teach Safety Skills. 14. Teach Sexual Health. 15. Teach Conception, Pregnancy and Birth. 16. Sexuality and Relationship Education in a Modern Age. Part III: Supporting. 17. Teach Emotional Understanding and Regulation. 18. Teach Sensory Sensitivities. 19. Masturbation. 20. Teach Relationships. 21. Dating, Intimate Relationships and Sex. 22. Teach Sense of Self. Part IV: Responding. 23. Responding to 'Inappropriate' Behaviours in the Area of Sexuality and Relationships. 24. Putting Together a Plan. Appendix A: Research Articles. Appendix B: Sexuality and Relationship Education Child Checklist. Appendix C: Sexuality and Relationship Education Organisation Checklist. Appendix D: Sexuality and Relationship Education Curriculum Plan. Appendix E: Functional Behaviour Assessment. Appendix F: UPSR Sexuality and Relationship Education: Individual Behaviour Plan. Appendix G: Illustrations. References. Recommended Reading and Resources.