Spectrum of Options Seminar: Autism and Developmentally Appropriate Sexuality

As part of its annual free Spectrum of Options Seminar Series, The Children’s Institute will present “Autism and Developmentally Appropriate Sexuality” on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. The seminar will be held at TCI High School, 6 Regent St., Livingston, NJ.

Sexuality is a topic that is difficult, or at least uncomfortable, for many parents and professionals to discuss. However, it is a topic that will ultimately be an issue for many individuals on the autism spectrum. This talk will begin with an overview of background issues regarding sexuality in ASD. We will discuss topics such as sexual development, sexuality knowledge, sexual behaviors and common parent concerns. We will then discuss strategies for teaching important social skills related to sexual expression as well as teaching methods for sexual behavior such as masturbation and personal hygiene. Audience questions will be welcomed.

The seminar will be presented by Dr. Cicero, the Director of Psychological Services for the Eden II Programs, an applied behavior analysis program in New York State serving children and adults on the autistic spectrum. He is a licensed psychologist who received his Masters degree in school psychology from St. John’s University and his Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center. He is also a board certified behavior analyst and certified school psychologist. Dr. Cicero is an adjunct instructor in applied behavior analysis at Caldwell University and is the current president of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA.) He frequently conducts workshops, consultations and research presentations nationally and has been published in the areas of toilet training and developmental disabilities.

While the Spectrum of Options Seminar Series is free and open to the community, all those planning to attend must register by Monday, 10/19/15. Space is limited, so register soon. Interested parties may register online, by email, or by calling 973.509.3050 x401. This seminar is appropriate for parents and professionals.

This seminar is part of a series that will be presented throughout the year. Other seminars include: “Medication Issues: The Latest from the National Institute of Health” on 12/1/2015, “Workability, Medicaid and Social Security” on 1/20/2016, “Managing Behaviors” on 3/16/16 and “Religious Communities, Autism, and Inclusion” on 4/26/16.

About The Children’s Institute (TCI)

For more than 50 years, TCI has been a pioneer in serving individuals with special learning needs. Today, TCI includes two non-profit schools, approved by the New Jersey State Board of Education, which serve children from ages 3-21 on the autism spectrum and with related disabilities, and The Center for Independence, a program for adults over 21, approved by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities and the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. TCI is committed to developing the academic, social, behavioral, communication, life and career skills of children, young adults, and adults on the autism spectrum.