Clinician’s Guide to Sexuality and Autism

Dr. Jessica Cauchi is a behavior analyst that has worked with people on the autism spectrum for over 20 years. She resides in Ontario Canada. Jessica received her Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College and is a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst, as well as a Certified Progressive Behavior Analyst – Autism Professional. Dr. Cauchi is interested in research and clinical practice in curriculum development and effective teaching practices in sexuality skills for persons on the autism spectrum, meaningful programming, rapport and assent, and progressive ABA. She has published work in these areas, as well as presented on these topics across Canada and internationally. Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the EPIC School in Paramus, NJ. Dr. Gerhardt has over 40 years of experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders in educational, employment, residential and community-based settings. He is the author or co-author on a number of articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASD and has presented nationally and internationally on this topic. Dr. Gerhardt serves as Co-Chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research and is on numerous professional advisory boards including the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. He currently serves as adjunct faculty in the Institute for Behavioral Studies at Endicott College. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey’s Graduate School of Education. ​Justin Leaf, Ph.D., is the Executive Director for Autism Partnership Foundation and the Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, the Associate Director for ABA Doctoral Studies at Endicott College, and the Executive Director for Contemporary Behavior Consultants. Justin received his doctorate degree in Behavioral Psychology from the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. His research interests include Progressive ABA, improving behavioral intervention, social behavior, and methodologies to improve the lives of autistic/individuals diagnosed with ASD. Justin has over 140 publications in either peer reviewed journals, books, or book chapters and has presented at both national and international professional conferences and invited events. Justin has served on numerous editorial boards for behavior analytic and autism journals. Justin career has been dedicated to improving the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and lives of Autistic individuals Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is a licensed clinical psychologist, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and a licensed behavior analyst. She is the Director of Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis at Endicott College, where she oversees the Ph.D. in ABA and the master’s programs in ABA and in Autism and ABA. At Melmark, she is a Senior Director of Research. Dr. Weiss is a regular presenter at national conferences and publishes frequently on ABA and its application to individuals with ASD. She is on the Board of Association for Science in Autism Treatment, is an advisor to the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies, serves on the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research, is on the Professional Advisory Board of Autism New Jersey, and is a regular contributor to the ABA Ethics Hotline.

Part One: Introduction and Foundational Material 1. Why is this book necessary? 2. How to use this book 3. Interventions Part Two: Curriculum 4. Age ranges 5. Body parts 6. Menstrual care 7. Reproduction and birth control 8. Health and hygiene 9. Sexuality and the law 10. Online activity 11. Sexual acts 12. Consent 13. Social skills 14. Sexual abuse prevention and reporting 15. Masturbation 16. Sexual orientation 17. Gender identity 18. Individual preferences 19. Types of relationships 20.Problem solving and critical thinking Appendix 21. Resources 22. Concluding thoughts