STRATEGIES FOR SEXUAL EDUCATION OF ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological condition centered on two characteristics: restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests or movements; and deficits in the social communication. The literature in the area demonstrates that, in all spectra, there is a deprivation of basic sexual rights, such as access to privacy, scientific information and adequate sex education, generating suffering and marked vulnerability in relation to violence. Goals: The objective of the work was to describe possible strategies for promoting sexual education for autistic adults, based on the difficulties documented by the target audience itself. Method: As a documentary study, an analysis of the book “Autism-Asperger’s & Sexuality: puberty and beyond” was proposed, written by the notable autistic militant Jerry Newport, co-authored with his wife, Mary. From the work, excerpts with demands related to sexuality were high lighted, and from the emancipatory sexual education literature, a list of possible strategies for program saimed at autistic adults was built. Analysis: Considering the characteristics of TEA, we opted for actions with clear, visual characteristics, whose languages ​​were direct and little metaphorical, focused on diverse repertoires, and based on the constant reevaluation of needs, as well as on the care with the imposition of the hegemonic neurotypic norm. Conclusions: It was concluded that, although the theoretical and critical works on the subject are growing, the need to advance in practical terms persists, and the presente artical may have contributed, with initial ideas, in this sense. It is suggested that future research apply and document sexual education programs and actions for autistic people, expand the analysis to other spectra of TEA, and varied age groups.