Y.A.L.E. School Presents Speaker Series: Sexuality Across the Autism Spectrum

Y.A.L.E. School, a private school serving more than 400 students in southern New Jersey, is hosting two special events focused on the topic of sexuality and sexual development in adolescents on the autism spectrum.

On Friday, March 6, Y.A.L.E. School’s Autism Programs – with campuses in Audubon, Deptford, Voorhees, and Mullica Township – will sponsor an intensive program for professionals and parents featuring autism expert and behaviorist Dr. Frank Cicero, PhD, BCBA. “Autism and Sexuality: Encouraging Appropriate, Safe, & Healthy Behaviors“ is a comprehensive, full-day workshop designed for those who teach and/or care for students with ASDs who have limited abilities and require a direct applied behavior analytic (ABA) approach to instruction. The workshop will guide parents, educators, therapists, clinicians, and service providers in the use of ABA approaches to help promote appropriate sexual behaviors and sexual expression. Cicero will discuss complex and sometimes sensitive topics such as sexual development, sexuality knowledge, sexual behaviors, consent and common parent concerns.

Cicero is the Director of Psychological Services for the Eden II Programs, an ABA program in New York serving children and adults on the autism spectrum. He is a Licensed Psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience providing ABA programs for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and is renowned for his straightforward approach to addressing the difficult and uncomfortable topic of sexuality in those with autism.

The workshop will be held at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ. Professionals are eligible to receive CEU credits. The registration fee includes a continental breakfast and afternoon refreshments. To buy tickets, please go to yaleschool.com/cicero.

On March 18, Y.A.L. E. School’s Cherry Hill campus will host author and autism self-advocate Amy Gravino, MA, together with Kristin Pragle, MSW, LCSW. “Autism and Sexuality: Self-Esteem, Relationships, Safety, and Risk” is a two-hour evening program will address issues and concerns around relationships and sexuality for adolescents and young adults who are verbal, are more independent, and can benefit from less behavior-based instruction. Gravino and Pragle will discuss puberty, self-esteem and body image, crushes, dating, online dating, intimacy, empowerment, and break-ups, as well as issues of sexual safety, legal pitfalls, and sex-specific evaluations.

Gravino, a young woman on the autism spectrum, is the president of A.S.C.O.T. Coaching, LLC, and the Director of Public and Community Relations for GRASP. Her work has been published in Reader’s Digest, Autism Spectrum Quarterly Magazine, and the Autism Speaks blog. Kristin Pragle, MSW, LCSW, is a Certified School Social Worker at Y.A.L.E. School with more than a decade of experience working with students on the autism spectrum. She completed post-graduate training in the assessment and treatment of sexually abusive youth through the Second Chance Program run by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, and holds certification in violence against women and children.

This event is free and open to the public, but guest must RSVP online in advance at yaleschool.com/gravino.

To learn more about Y.A.L.E.,go to yaleschool.com