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Social Stories for Sexuality Education for Persons with Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder

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Abstract

Lack of social skills for individuals having autism can be particularly significant in the area of intimate relationships and of sexuality. However, typical sexuality education programs for persons with disabilities may lack components that address the unique social skill needs for persons having autism. In special education, Social Stories have been used to teach appropriate social skills and behaviors to children and youth having autism. Nonetheless, no research documents the use of social stories in sexuality education in this population. The present paper outlines the instructional use of Social Stories with individuals having autism, investigates components that make Social Stories a promising method of intervention, and discusses implications for the utility of Social Stories for sexuality education in particular. Information presented should assist individuals with autism and their caregivers/educators in preparing for, and managing the opportunities to engage in healthy and satisfying sexual lives.

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Correspondence to Balázs Tarnai.

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Tarnai, B., Wolfe, P.S. Social Stories for Sexuality Education for Persons with Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Sex Disabil 26, 29–36 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-007-9067-3

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