Davida Hartman is the Director and Senior Educational Psychologist at The Children's Clinic, Dublin, providing child psychology and multi-disciplinary services to children 0-18. She is a lecturer and trainer in the area of autism and consults to a number of different groups and agencies. She has been working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum for twenty-one in the capacity of a psychologist and a teacher. Davida received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, her MA in Educational Psychology from University College Dublin, and she is a Registered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Her website can be visited at www.thechildrensclinic.ie.
Acknowledgements. Author's Notes. Part I: Understanding. 1. Introduction. 2. Sexuality, Sexuality and Relationship Education & ASD: A Summary of the Research. 3. Understanding Sexual Behaviours in Children. 4. Teaching Tools and Recommendations. 5. Working with Parents. 6. Developing Sexuality and Relationship Education Policies and Procedures. Part II: Preventing. 7. Teach Gender. 8. Teach Body Parts and Fluids. 9. Teach Growing and Changes. 10. Teach Puberty. 11. Teach Appearance and Hygiene. 12. Teach Public and Private. 13. Teach Safety Skills. 14. Teach Sexual Health. 15. Teach Conception, Pregnancy and Birth. 16. Sexuality and Relationship Education in a Modern Age. Part III: Supporting. 17. Teach Emotional Understanding and Regulation. 18. Teach Sensory Sensitivities. 19. Masturbation. 20. Teach Relationships. 21. Dating, Intimate Relationships and Sex. 22. Teach Sense of Self. Part IV: Responding. 23. Responding to 'Inappropriate' Behaviours in the Area of Sexuality and Relationships. 24. Putting Together a Plan. Appendix A: Research Articles. Appendix B: Sexuality and Relationship Education Child Checklist. Appendix C: Sexuality and Relationship Education Organisation Checklist. Appendix D: Sexuality and Relationship Education Curriculum Plan. Appendix E: Functional Behaviour Assessment. Appendix F: UPSR Sexuality and Relationship Education: Individual Behaviour Plan. Appendix G: Illustrations. References. Recommended Reading and Resources.
This book is gold. Anyone whose role it is to teach sexuality and relationship education to children and adolescents on the autism spectrum will find the answers to all their questions. Davida Hartman provides not only a convincing rationale for education in all aspects of sexuality, but also a wealth of straightforward and easy-to-apply teaching strategies. She includes references to the most up-to-date research in the area, and inspiring quotes from well-known ASD authors. She is reassuring, inclusive, positive and respectful. With this book on your shelf, you will be well equipped to teach a comprehensive, relevant and fun sexuality and relationship program to this important population of young people.
