Sexuality in Chldren with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Sexuallity and puberty related behaviors can present as behavioral disturbances and need to be understood and addressed in this population. Children on the Autism Spectrum are often seen in primary care for this reason.

Better understanding of the puberty and sexuality related needs of children with ASD.

Learning Objectives

  1. Recognize the psycho-social aspects of sexuality in the development of children with ASD.

  2. Understand how behavioral disturbances in ASD can be impacted by puberty and unmet sexual needs.

  3. Support children with ASD and their families to understand sexuality and health education, for optimal development

Zakia Alavi MD is a Diplomat of American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Currently, Dr. Alavi is engaged in providing psychiatric services through the Community Mental Health clinic in Jackson Michigan. 

Dr. Alavi is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University, and as Adjunct Associate Professor for the department of Psychiatry at University of Michigan. Dr. Alavi is the chief medical officer for Midstate Health Network and NorthCare Network, which are Medicaid Managed Care Organization, providing behavioral health services for mid-Michigan and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, respectively.

Dr. Alavi has a keen interest in integrated mental and physical helth of the pediatric populations served in primary care settings. She is involved with the development and dissemination of pediatric mental health content for pediatricians and trainees in primary care through the Michiagn Child Collaborative Care (MC3). Dr. Alavi has published several peer reviewed articles ranging from polypharmacy in foster children to more recently, about COVID-19 and its impact on the patients served by the community mental health systems.