Sexuality of persons with autism: Approaches to sexuality education

• Main Authors: Banković Slobodan, Đorđević Mirjana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Univerzitet u Beogradu - Fakultet za specijalnu edukaciju i rehabilitaciju 2012-01-01
• Series: Specijalna Edukacija i Rehabilitacija
• Subjects: autism; sexual behavior; sexual education
• Online Access: http://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/1452-7367/2012/1452-73671201089B.pdf

Surveys conducted over the past two decades have resulted in a more complete understanding of the sexual behavior of persons with autism, but also the need to issue more attention. Although a large number of people with autism express sexual interest and various forms of sexual behavior, they are not always expressed in a socially acceptable way. The paper presents some approaches to sexuality education of persons with autism, as well as review the specific sexual behaviors that may be relevant to the design and implementation of appropriate programs of sexual education for this population. In terms of current processes of deinstitutionalization and inclusion in the wider community, formal sex education is a prerequisite for improving the quality of life of people with autism and their full social acceptance.