ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Michelle Fardella, a clinical and school psychologist from Canada, to discuss the critical topic of sex education for autistic youth. The conversation covers various aspects, including the importance of proactive sex education, teaching body autonomy, consent, and addressing misconceptions. They delve into barriers faced by autistic youth in accessing comprehensive sex education and emphasize safety and appropriate teaching methods. Additionally, the episode touches on gender identity, sexual orientation, and provides practical resources for parents and educators. Trigger warnings and the importance of seeking support are also highlighted to ensure a safe and informative discussion.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:29 Meet Dr. Michelle Fardella

02:43 Trigger Warning and Sensitive Topics

03:57 Dr. Fardella's Background and Passion

06:26 Challenges in Sex Education for Autistic Youth

08:09 Importance of Tailored Sex Education

10:27 Parental Mindset and Barriers

18:03 Starting Early: Teaching Consent and Safety

20:01 Navigating Discomfort and Finding Safe Persons

23:43 The Accidental Exposure to Pornography

23:58 Discussing Pornography with Young Children

25:11 Proactive Conversations About Intercourse

26:04 Addressing Misconceptions from Pornography

28:13 Honesty in Answering Kids' Questions

30:10 Resources for Teaching Sexual Health

32:46 Masturbation: Education and Safety

36:00 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

41:04 Conclusion and Additional Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ find resources for talking about these topics on Dr. Michelle’s blog >> https://www.wondertreepractice.ca/post/a-caregiver-s-guide-to-teaching-sex-education-to-neurodivergent-youth

⚡️follow WonderTree Practice on Instagram and learn more about their services here if you’re in Ontario

⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current services offered? visit drtaylorday.com

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay