SOS: Sexuality on the Spectrum Webinar

This webinar is presented by Nisha Ranshi BCBA, LBA, CBS director of Prism Behavioral Consulting. This webinar provides a neuroaffirming overview of sexuality and sociosexual development for autistic individuals and their caregivers. We’ll explore how autism may influence social expectations, relationships, communication, and understanding of sociosexual norms across the lifespan. Topics include: -Natural human and sociosexual development across the lifespan -Common sociosexual behaviors and expectations at different developmental stages -How autistic experiences may differ from socially “normed” expectations -Considering consent, autonomy, safety, values, and social context Follow up resources: Books: Tom Needs to Go (A book about how to use public toilets) https://a.co/d/08FcEeQK What's happening to Tom: https://a.co/d/0dKJC7KI Nora and Her Body: A Guide to Puberty: https://a.co/d/0aUgLmkN My Body Has a Bubble: https://a.co/d/073QHePG No Means No! https://a.co/d/0grvUzWA Yes! No! A First Book About Consent: https://a.co/d/04UDt7UP Eyes, Knees, Boundaries Please! https://a.co/d/0ho7ypcx Songs/Videos: Boundary Song:    • The Boundaries Song - "That's a Boundary."...   No Touch Zone (Gracie’s Corner):    • No Touch Zone | Good Touch vs Bad Touch | ...   My Body Belongs to Me:    • My Body Belongs to Me | Body Safety Song &...   Learn to Say No:    • My Body Belongs to Me! | Learning to Say N...   Be Respectful:    • Be Respectful | An Original Song by Gracie...   Street Safety Song:    • Street Safety Song| Learning with Ms Houst...   AMAZE is a free, online resource that provides age-appropriate, medically accurate information about puberty, and relationships through short, animated videos. Designed for young people as well as parents and educators, the site offers clear, honest, and accessible content to help users better understand their bodies and make informed decisions. https://amaze.org/us/ Able2Learn is a free educational platform that provides inclusive, evidence-based learning materials for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. The site offers a wide range of resources, such as social stories, life skills activities, visual supports, and health education to help parents, teachers, and therapists support skill development and independence. https://able2learn.com/ Elevatus Training provides specialized education, workshops, and curriculum focused on sexuality and healthy relationships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their resources are designed for educators, parents, and professionals, offering practical tools and training to support inclusive, respectful, and accessible sexual health education. https://www.elevatustraining.com/ A free collection of visual “social stories” that use simple language and images to help individuals with autism understand everyday and healthcare experiences, reducing anxiety and supporting routines. https://bmcautismfriendly.github.io/s... Positive Connections provides inclusive, research-based sexual health and relationship education, with a focus on supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families and communities.https://www.positiveconnections.ca/about Sex Positive Families: Sex Positive Talks to Have With Kids is a bestselling comprehensive guide that helps caregivers create the kind of bond that keeps kids safer, informed, and empowered in their sexual health. https://sexpositivefamilies.com/book/ Russ Harris www.actmindfully.com.au Dr. Russ Harris is a world-renowned medical practitioner, psychotherapist, and leading international trainer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), best known for authoring the international bestseller The Happiness Trap. Caregiving is a deeply meaningful journey, but it is also one paved with profound emotional and physical challenges. When faced with chronic stress, anxiety, or guilt, caregivers often exhaust themselves trying to push these difficult feelings away. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a refreshing, evidence-based approach to mental wellness that moves away from the toxic pressure of "positive thinking." Instead of trying to eliminate or fix uncomfortable emotions, ACT helps caregivers change their relationship with them. Through ACT, caregivers develop psychological flexibility- the ability to be fully present, open up to difficult thoughts without judgment, and take actions aligned with their deepest values. Rather than getting "hooked" by thoughts of inadequacy or burnout, caregivers learn mindfulness and acceptance strategies that act as an emotional anchor during high-stress moments. Ultimately, ACT provides family and professional caregivers with the practical tools to navigate the heavy demands of care, reduce psychological distress, and reconnect with the core values of love, dignity, and compassion that drive their service.