​This resource can be used to allow young people on the autistic spectrum to fully engage in this area of the curriculum. It is intended that the programme will promote young people’s understanding and develop their knowledge of sexual heath and relationships in a way that is accessible and meaningful to them.

Explore this resource

This resource gives an overview of nine topics related to sexual health education and includes:

• Autism-specific advice aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at mainstream secondary school staff to encourage innovative, individualised and creative teaching.
• Guidance on the different approaches that can be taken to support individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.
• Activities which are designed to be tailored to meet the individual needs of the young people involved, using the practitioners’ professional judgements and knowledge.
• Support to work in partnership with other professionals, parents and families to ensure the best possible outcomes for young people.
• Signposting to useful and reliable sources of information and further help, such as publications and key organisations.

Section headings:

• Section 1: Keeping clean
• Section 2: Changing and growing
• Section 3: Personal body parts
• Section 4: Relationships
• Section 5: Keeping safe
• Section 6: Places to be naked
• Section 7: Appropriate touching
• Section 8: Sexual activity
• Section 9: Influences and decision making

Improvement questions

• To what extent do we offer our young people on the autistic spectrum opportunities to explore sexual health and relationships in an autism-friendly way?
• In what way do we involve partners to offer the best quality experiences and outcomes in this area of the curriculum?

Download(s)

PDF file: Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Resource for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2.6 MB)