Sex & Relationships

How Do I Figure This Out?

Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered

Katherine McLaughlin
www.disabilityworkshops.com
Katherine, an expert on sexuality and developmental disabilities, has taught sexuality education to people with developmental disabilities as well as trained them to be peer sexuality educators themselves. She has trained nationally at conferences and workshops, has developed and led parent workshops on Talking to Your Kids with Disabilities about Sexuality, and has trained staff on how to address sexuality with people with disabilities. Katherine has coauthored two curricula for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England: Sexuality Education for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Sexual Violence in Teenage Lives. Katherine leads workshops as a private consultant and also teaches Human Sexuality at Keene State College in NH.

Goals

Discuss sexual feelings and choices Examine what being sexual with another person means Explore reasons people decide not to have sex and have sex Explore ways to talk about sex with a partner

Introduction
This webinar was developed from the following shared values: We are all sexual beings. Sexuality is a positive and pleasurable part of life. The fundamental principles of self-advocacy that people with developmental disabilities can have control over their own lives, make their own decisions, solve problems and speak for themselves extend to sexuality and relationships. People have the right to choose their own partners same sex, opposite sex, differentlyabled.

Introduction

Everyone has a right to the facts about health and sexuality information provided in an accessible manner. Relationships are learning opportunities. We move in, out, and within them in different ways. Treat adults as adults. Have respect for an individuals right to make choices and mistakes. Accept people where they are; support people in discovering who they are. No judging do not push your values on someone else.

Group Agreements

Respect
Randy

1. All feelings are okay. It is okay to feel whatever you feel - embarrassed, fear, shy

oops

2. Show respect for everyones opinion. We dont all have to agree with each other but we do need to respect each other. Express your feelings in a kind way. For example: Do not say Thats gross! Instead say I dont like that.

3. No questions is a silly question. It is okay and important to ask questions; just not personal and private questions. For example, you can say, How do I ask someone out? But it is not okay to ask someone if they had sex last night. 4. Talking about relationships can be fun - but it can also be tough work! We all agree to do the best we can at each class - to listen, to share, and to be respectful.

What Are Sexual Feelings?

You may feel warm inside, nervous and silly when that person is around, Like you want to kiss someone, see the person naked, horny, turned on, heart pounds It is normal to have sexual feelings and there are choices that you can make about these feelings

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Who is it okay to be sexual with? Can a potential partner be. Someone of the same gender? Someone already in a relationship? Someone who has said she/he is not interested? A paid support person? Someone under 18?

Communication and Pleasure

Sexually Healthy Person

Sexually Healthy Person

Katherine McLaughlin
www.disabilityworkshops.com
Katherine, an expert on sexuality and developmental disabilities, has taught sexuality education to people with developmental disabilities as well as trained them to be peer sexuality educators themselves. She has trained nationally at conferences and workshops, has developed and led parent workshops on Talking to Your Kids with Disabilities about Sexuality, and has trained staff on how to address sexuality with people with disabilities. Katherine has coauthored two curricula for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England: Sexuality Education for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Sexual Violence in Teenage Lives. Katherine leads workshops as a private consultant and also teaches Human Sexuality at Keene State College in NH.

Continue the discussion through our FORUMS! You will receive an email shortly with a link to our discussion board. The PowerPoint and recording will also be provided in this email. Email Jennifer (jsladen@autismnow.org) if you experience any issues.
Website: www.autismnow.org Information & Referral Call Center: 1-855-828-8476 Next Webinar: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 2:00-3:00 PM, EDT Autism & Online Dating!