Sexuality and Autism

Speaker: Zakia Alavi, MD

Little is known about sexuality and relationship for children on the spectrum. This leads to very little to no guidance for the pediatricians working with such children and their families.

There is a need for training and education for primary care pediatricians to become more informed about the challenges faced by their patients and families as they navigate puberty and beyond

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the challenges individuals with ASD have in adhering to privacy norms.

• Explain how and why individuals with ASD may engage in inappropriate behaviors that violate social norms.

• Recognize the need for sexual health education for individuals with ASD and their parents.

• Identify three actions primary care pediatricians can take to support and educate their patients with ASD and their family members about sexual behaviors.