Gender and Sexuality Development and Considerations in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Date:
February 6, 2025 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Price:
Instructor(s):
Mark Palmieri
Event Type:
Virtual
Professional Learning Hours:
5
Intended Audience:
PK-12 educators who support neurodiverse individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Participants must attend all events:
- Event Date
- Event Date
The intersection of gender identity, sexual health, and neurodiversity is complex. While the needs of each individual are unique, there are important common factors to consider that help support the academic and social success of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because identity development – including gender identity and sexuality – are social processes, autistic students can benefit from instruction that proactively addresses these topics. Participants will expand their knowledge around the intersectionality of autism, gender identity, and sexuality, including LGBTQIA+, and learn how to design educational settings that support students’ healthy development consistent with their peers.
Participants will:
- Learn about foundational developmental concepts related to gender identity and sexual development.
- Consider the social and developmental barriers common in the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Understand how the social challenges of autism relate to overall identity development, including sexuality and gender identity.
- Be able to describe common social and cultural factors that drive gender development, and how these can be uniquely experienced in the autistic community.
