Imagine trying to build a rocket by watching YouTube videos, talking on snapchat, or watching TV.

That would be hard!  And can you imagine what that rocket would look like once you were done?

In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Rachel Loftin, PhD, who’s an expert in discussing autism and sex.

She joined the Thrive with Aspergers podcast previously to talk about adult autism diagnosis.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

Why sex education is important

How sex education should be different for autism spectrum

Increase in use of pornography to get sex education versus comprehensive course about health human sexuality

Accepting media or pornography as reality – that’s now how things work – it’s fantasy content that does not reflect what sex is in reality

Making healthy choices

Benefits and challenges of autism spectrum and sexuality

High stakes, high complexity, high consequence

The challenge of having interests that minors may have – as an adult or young adult, be sure to check about the age of the person you’re interacting with online – this will protect you from being targeted as a potential child predator, for example

How to protect ourselves or others from illegal sexual activities

Don’t follow examples from the media as the reality of the way things are – read accurate, reality based sex education materials

Autism and Sex Resources Recommended By Dr. Loftin

Legal

The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality, and the Law: What Every Parent and Professional Needs To Know, by Dubin, Henault, and Attwood.

Sex Education

Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health: A Curriculum For Teaching Adolescents/Adults with High Functioning Autism and Other Social Challenges, by Catherine Davies and Melissa Dubie.

Autism-Asperger’s and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond, by Jerry and Melissa Newport

Couples/Marriage

Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Aspergers/Autism, by Eva A. Mendes

(You can also listen to a couple Thrive with Aspergers episodes by Eva Mendes here and