Irish Society for Autism

Specialist education for those with autism is not only often confined to education as ‘therapy’ but is also thought of as segregated education. There is too much emphasis on the location of education and insufficient emphasis on its nature. Specialist education can take place in any setting. What is needed are:

• Knowledgeable and well-resourced staff: Staff need a range of skills and approaches, based on sound evidence-based principles, of what is likely to be helpful for individuals on the autism spectrum. Continue reading →

The rights of people with ASD to sexuality and interpersonal relationships are as important, if not more important, than any other basic human rights. Unfortunately their needs in this area often go unmet. Parents must assure that their children with ASD receive the basic information that they need in this area, even though it might be uncomfortable at times.

In addition, professionals must step up and get involved by informing themselves and assuring that their training programs are providing adequate experience and information for those in their field charged with the responsibility of helping their clients to learn about their rights to sexuality and close interpersonal relationships and exercising them. Continue reading →