1 BACB CE + 1 AASECT Sponsored CE

Abstract
Discussing sexuality and sexual behavior can be uncomfortable. In this webinar, participants will learn about the role of culture, religion, attitudes, provider behaviors, and myths in identifying why caregivers may hesitate to openly talk about sexuality and why providers may avoid initiating discussions about sexual behavior. The role of sexuality education as a primary method of reducing sexual risks and harms has will be used to support and facilitate discussions. Common topics of concern will be used as a model for initiating conversations about sex and collaborating effectively with caregivers to build effective interventions for promoting sexual health.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar participants will be able to:
1. State common reasons for discomfort around the topic of sexuality
2. Define rationale for teaching sexuality education
3. Name strategies for increasing provider comfort in discussing sexuality
4. Use strategies for advocating for client's right to access effective treatment regarding sexual behavior
 
About The Presenter
Barbara Gross, MEd, MA, BCBA, LBA, CSE (she/her/hers) is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator.
 
She specializes in staff and caregiver training and development of sexual behavior intervention plans for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), including autism spectrum disorder. She also works to coordinate with educators to promote equity in access to comprehensive sexuality education for children with disabilities.
Other areas of practice and research interests include pornography literacy, abuse prevention for children and adults with disabilities, and dissemination of behavior analysis and the potential it offers to promote healthy sexuality for people of all abilities.