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

Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia, a private school in Manayunk serving students with autism, Asperger’s, and related social learning disabilities is hosting a special workshop focused on the topic of sexuality and sexual development in adolescents on the autism spectrum.

On March 19, Y.A.L. E. School Philadelphia 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 guests must RSVP online in advance at http://www.yaleschoolpa.com/2015/01/autism-and-sexuality-with-amy-gravino-and-kristin-pragle/ or call (215) 839-0525.

ABOUT Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia: Located in the vibrant community of Manayunk, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia offers an environment dedicated to cultivating the strengths, interests, and abilities of students on the autism spectrum and with related differences. Engaging middle schoolers in grades 6-8, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia offers a highly individualized, challenging and creative curriculum for students who are academically capable, but who experience difficulties in their current school environment because of sensory, social competency, executive function, anxiety or learning differences.