SESSION 5: 1.05-2.15pm
Room LK308
The Journey to Intimacy and Sex for Adults on the Spectrum
About the session:
Fun. Popular. Ubiquitous. Natural. Taboo. Shameful.
What is this thing that is enjoyed by all and oh so embarrassing to discuss?
You’ve named it. Sex.
Sex is the colorful elephant in the room - in every room and in every way. Most of us want it, engage with it, and, yet, will not discuss it. It is harmful that we parents, caretakers and associated professionals leave our folks on the autism spectrum to their own devices with regard to their sexual exploration.
Autism is a disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate, regulate compulsive behavior and judge the social and emotional cues of others. These are just some of the impairments that can, and have, led to uncomfortable private and public situations, and in some cases can rise to a level of criminality. We have the power and the tools to reduce abuse and discomfort around a natural and evolutionarily necessary act.
In this workshop, we will go over ways to talk about steps to facilitating more intimate connections between people who need more than subtle cues about sex and intimacy. We’ll also talk about ways to deepen those relationships and the rupture/repair process of failed expectations. Most importantly, we will talk about ways to step into our own vulnerabilities relating to intimacy and moving toward more honest and clear conversations about sex. It is time that we consciously gift this pleasurable act to people on the spectrum who need more guidance about the ways their bodies can be used.
Karla Amanda Brown is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern at the Process Therapy Institute in Campbell, CA where she works with teens, adults and family units on issues relating to identity, disability and intimacy. In addition, Karla works as a Service Coordinator at the San Andreas Regional Center working exclusively with adults who have a range of developmental disabilities. Karla began her career in mental health and training in sex education while counseling LGBTQ adults and children at the Gender Health Center in Sacramento, CA. During her tenure at the Regional Center, Karla has noticed a void in discussions about intimacy. She has now set out to advocate for the relational and sexual rights of adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Materials:
Handout
transition_age_therapy_group.pdf