Sexuality education for people with autism-spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities is a topic frequently overlooked by intervention teams. Sexuality education is a sensitive topic that many do not feel comfortable addressing with families and clients. Sexual behaviors are learned and can be taught. Behavior analysts are in the unique position to help families and people with disabilities proactively learn appropriate behavior that allows them to be self determined in sexuality at their greatest potential. This session will provide a rationale for BCBAs to teach sexuality education, and provide a guideline on how to plan for sexuality education while considering culture and family, scope of practice, medical clearance, national standards, ABA curriculum, and referrals to other professionals. Case studies will be presented to show how ABA is utilized to teach sexuality education across the life span.

1. Learners will understand the ethics of teaching sexuality education within ABA Programs.
2. Learners will be able to plan for teaching sexuality education within ABA Programs.
3. Learners will be able to use current ABA curriculum to teach proactive sexuality education. 

About the Presenter

Peggy Schaefer-Whitby

Peggy Schaefer Whitby is an associate professor at the University of Arkansas and serves as the program coordinator for special education. Her research interests are in the area of implementing evidence-based practices and sexuality education. She currently works on several state and federally funded projects to help families access evidence based services in rural areas. Dr. Schaefer Whitby has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals including Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Journal of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, and Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Most importantly, Dr. Schaefer Whitby is passionate about the education of children with autism and developmental disabilities. She believes that school is the great equalizer as it provides access to evidence based services for all children. People with disabilities deserve access to education so that they can reach their highest potential and be inclusive members of society.