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Autism/Sex education for special needs kids

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Expert: - 5/4/2010


Question
Hi, I'm actually looking for experts in Texas, specifically the DFW area, who might be able to help me with a story I'm doing how parents should help their special needs kids in the area of sex education. I'm coming up dry on education sources as well as special needs resources, and I'm hoping you can give me a direction to look. Thanks for anything you can do. I have a fast turnaround and need information (or lack of it) as quickly as you can let me know.

Answer
Hi Judy,

I wish I had more information to share. I don't know of anyone in Texas who specializes in this subject.

My general suggestion is that information should be emotional age appropriate. Hormones come on time or even early for these kids but the ability to handle it does not.


Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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