Autism and Sexuality
Presented by Kate McNulty, LCSW
Friday, July 26th, 2024
9-11am PT / 11am-1pm CT / 12-2pm ET
Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis associated with differences in communication, cognition, and social behavior. All of these dimensions influence the experience of one’s sexuality. Autism is highly heterogeneous and the full continuum of human sexual and gender expression are seen in this population.
Participants will learn techniques to address common concerns related to sex and intimacy that autistic adults bring to therapy, with modifications and approaches that are customized to autistic needs. We will discuss methods to assess comfort with discussing sexual topics; managing sensory sensitivities; negotiating frequency and types of sexual activity with partners; and supporting clients as they explore and develop sexual confidence.
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 CEs for Psychologists, 2.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 2.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, or 2.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis associated with differences in communication, cognition, and social behavior. All of these dimensions influence the experience of one’s sexuality. Autism is highly heterogeneous and the full continuum of human sexual and gender expression are seen in this population.
Participants will learn techniques to address common concerns related to sex and intimacy that autistic adults bring to therapy, with modifications and approaches that are customized to autistic needs. We will discuss methods to assess comfort with discussing sexual topics; managing sensory sensitivities; negotiating frequency and types of sexual activity with partners; and supporting clients as they explore and develop sexual confidence.
After attending this intermediate-level program, participants will be able to:
- Identify three factors that contribute to complexity of autistic sexual experience and identity.
- Discuss two examples of the contrast between the autistic experience of sexual interaction with that of non-autistic clients.
- Explain techniques to support clients as they explore and develop sexual confidence.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.3: Program content focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research procedures.
This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.
This program meets AASECT Core Knowledge Area for:
B — Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the lifespan.
F — Diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles, i.e. polyamory, swinging, BDSM, tantra.
I — Range of sexual functioning and behavior, from optimal to problematic.
O — Professional communication skills.
General Admission: $30
The Chicago School Faculty/Staff/Alumni: $20*
The Chicago School Students: $15*
(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Kate McNulty, LCSW
Kate is an Autistic, queer multiply-disabled therapist who has been in the social work profession since 1985 and who is certified as an AASECT Sex Therapist and Supervisor through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Kate values sexual expression as a contributor to quality of life that is too often denied to disabled people.
Joyal, C. C., Carpentier, J., McKinnon, S., Normand, C., & Poulin, M. (2021). Sexual knowledge, Desires, and experience of adolescents and young adults with an autism Spectrum Disorder: an exploratory study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.685256
Maggio, M. G., Calatozzo, P., Cerasa, A., Pioggia, G., Quartarone, A., & Calabrò, R. S. (2022). Sex and Sexuality in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review on a Neglected but Fundamental Issue. Brain Sciences, 12(11), 1427. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111427
Sala, G., Hooley, J. M., Hooley, M., & Stokes, M. A. (2023b). Comparing Physical intimacy and romantic relationships of autistic and non-autistic Adults: a qualitative analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06109-0
Target Audience:Masters and Doctoral-level therapists who wish to expand their knowledge of autism and clinical work related to sexual concerns.
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 2.0 CE credits. The Office of Continuing Education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been approved as an AASECT Provider of continuing education credits! Provider number 23-519-CW. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact [email protected].
Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.