Sex, Sexuality and the Autism Spectrum

Wendy Lawson is a mother of four, who was originally diagnosed as being intellectually disabled, then in her teens, as being schizophrenic, and finally in 1994, as having an autism spectrum disorder. She has been married, separated and divorced, has experienced the death of one of her teenage sons, gone through moving from one country to another, losing friends and status due to being openly gay, faced ill health and recently come to terms with the fact that she is aging! Her youngest son was diagnosed at the age of 12 as having Asperger's Syndrome. As a qualified counsellor, social worker and psychologist Wendy has operated her own private practice for many years. She is the author of five books, including Understanding and Working with the Spectrum of Autism, and Build Your Own Life: A Self-help Guide for Individuals With Asperger's Syndrome, both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

This book will give courage and information to adults with autism or Asperger Syndrome and provide essential insights to those living and working with them.

• Acknowledgements. Foreword by Glenys Jones. Introduction. Part I. 1 Foundations of who we are: ASD and Sexuality. 2. Sex Education. 3. What is a relationship? Part 2. 4. Being in a partnership. 5. Discovering bi-sexuality, homosexuality or transgender dispositions. 6. What is Family? 7.Building a safe place. 8. Maintaining our safe place. 9. Accepting and celebrating who I am. References. Resources. Index.