Author: Erin Kostigen

Publisher:

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13:

"Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often not provided with the sexuality education they require in order to be independent and active members of their communities as adults. When this education is lacking, these individuals are put at risk for potentially engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviors or becoming victims of abuse. This case study sought to explore how a private special education school addresses sexuality education with its student population. The social relational model of disability was utilized as a lens through which to view the provision of sexuality education by identifying specific barriers that exist. This study was driven by the research question: How has the Babcock School promoted sexuality-related skills for adolescents and young adults with ASD and intellectual disabilities based upon staff perceptions of the effectiveness of the curriculum in place? Using a qualitative approach, more specifically an intrinsic case study, the researcher conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with staff members at different levels within the organization. Participants were also observed conducting their typical job responsibilities. Documents related to staff training, student assessment, policies, and procedures were also analyzed to identify the preparation staff members had received in relation to sexuality education. The data revealed three themes related to the preparation and support required for staff members as well as the programming required for students. The results of the study suggest that highly specialized training and ongoing support are needed for direct service staff. This training not only sharpens staff members' skill levels, but it also increases their comfort when addressing these issues. In addition, as sexuality education is an important safety skill for this population, programming should be offered to all students and individualized to their specific needs. Independence should be a primary focus of sexuality education programming for students with ASD, specifically for self-care skills, in order to develop a concept of privacy and prevent them from being placed in a situation where abuse could occur"--Author's abstract.