Sexuality, Puberty, and Autism: Practical Strategies for Common Concerns
Join POAC for a full day conference on sexuality and autism. The information in this session is intended to be a practical primmer on dealing with adolescence and beyond. Many students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have little or no sex education and often have no understanding about what is and is not appropriate. This workshop will address best practices for parents and educators on how to educate individuals with autism and what can and should be done when challenging issues arise. Specifically, it will cover:
- The challenges faced by parents and educators regarding sexuality and autism
- Specific programs and strategies for teaching sexuality, personal safety, and relationships to individuals with ASD across the spectrum
- How parents and educators can work together to develop and work on appropriate goals
- Potential roadblocks and how to troubleshoot them
This conference is appropriate for parents and educators of children/students who are in and approaching adolescence. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Fees:
Non POAC Members $35
Current POAC Members $25
About The Presenter
Dr. Bobbie Gallagher, BCBA-D
Autism Center for Educational Services (“ACES”)
Dr. Gallagher is a BCBA-D with her PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP). She is the owner of ACES and the author of “A Brick Wall: How a Boy with No Words Spoke to the World.” For more than 25 years Dr. Gallagher has worked in the field of ABA, speaking nationally to educate others on the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and for the last eight years with a focus in the area of sexuality. She completed a three-hour online training program for the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training to assist in training teachers across the state of Texas on the sexual education needs of those with autism. Dr. Gallagher's focus on sexuality has lead to her work with those with autism who have been sexually assaulted, requiring an understanding of how to prevent their future vulnerability, and how to teach them (through compassionate ABA) the skills they need going forward. She completed her certification courses at the Florida Institute of Technology, holds a Master’s in Special Education from New Jersey City University, and a BA in Communication Studies from Monmouth University. She is the mother of three and currently resides at the Jersey Shore with her husband and two adult children with autism.