Isabelle Hénault M.A., Ph.D. Montreal, Canada http://clinique autisme asperger mtl.ca/ in coll. With Pr. Tony Attwood, Ph.D. Brisbane, Australia 1
ASD & Asperger s profile Social skills: free of social rules Communication abilities: verbal and non verbal Theory of Mind: different ways of thinking? Emotions: detecting, reading, expressing Sensory issues ASD & Asperger s profile Sexual behaviours: self stimulation, exploring sexuality, lack of experience Frustrations and inappropriate behaviours: paedophilia, preferences, fetishism, compulsions Gender identity & role definition: «My way» flexibility, conflict, confusion cross dressing, transsexualism Social imitation: context, consent 2
ASD & Asperger s profile Interpretation of emotions: black & white! Interpersonal relationships: couples, empathy, intimacy. Confusion & anxiety, resentement Sexual drive, desire, curiosity Accepting the diagnosis Factors influencing social and sexual development (Griffiths, 1999) Information Basic knowledge Experiences Social support Limitations of the environment Gender segregation Social network Rules Sex education 3
Factors influencing social and sexual development Intimacy Interests and limits Private and public setting Exploration Medication Secondary effects Synergic effects Infections Monitored Physiological changes Puberty Hormones levels (testosterone, oestrogen) Body changes: body hair, sexual function, reactions, periods, etc. Psychological changes Emotions (mood changes,stronger, cycle) Independence Curiosity Interests 8 4
Friendship & social skills Puberty Skills: communication: verbal & non verbal, social interactions, sharing Intensity of relationship Appropriate: finding a balance Inappropriate Love & friendship, intimacy 9 Puberty Recognition of abusive/unfriendly relationship Dangerous relationship Qualities of a healthy relationship Sharing Communication Pleasure, interest Respect, communication and much more Making Waves Program:http://partnersforyouth.ca/making waves 10 5
Puberty Self esteem: image Self confidence: positive experiences Social network Finding identity (group, norms, person, sexual) Isolation Depression, anxiety, (arrogance 15%) Aggressive behaviors, self abusing behaviors 11 www.jkp.com 6
Workshop Themes & Activities Introduction 1. Love & friendship 2. Physiological changes 3. Sexual relationships 4. Emotions 5. Contraception and prevention of STD and AIDS 13 Workshop Themes & Activities 6. Sexual orientation 7. Alcohol, drugs and sexuality 8. Sexism and gender roles 9. Sexual abuse and problem behaviours 10. Theory of Mind, communication and intimacy 11. Safety on Internet & social medias 14 7
The Understanding and Expression of Affection Ability to read the signals when someone expects affection. Ability to express the appropriate level of affection. 8
The Understanding and Expression of Affection Affection to repair someone s feelings. An immature expression of affection. A limited vocabulary of expression that may not include subtle or age appropriate expressions. Sometimes needing frequent expressions of affection for reassurance. We feel and show affection but not often enough, and at the wrong intensity 9
Affection? Why are typical people so obsessed with expressing reciprocal love and affection? A hug can be an uncomfortable, constricting squeeze. Don t cry because someone will squeeze you. Not comforted by affection to the degree that neurotypicals expect. Different Perspective Intense dislike of public praise that includes words and gestures of affection. The capacity for affection, a cup versus a bucket. 10
Different type of empathy Practical functional Not in words or gestures Compassion for animas Actions Empathy Empathy Affection to repair feelings Frequency of affection Sensory sensitivity and affection 11
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Choice of Partner Goldsworthy & Stokes, 2011) Women with AS may prefer a relationship with a man with As. Extreme neurotypicals more likely to fall in love with an Aspie. Adults with High Functioning Autism less likely to seek a partner. 13
Partners Two magnets that either attract or repel each other. Adored or despised. Attract: Seek affection and approval. Seek a partner with a similar profile of abilities. 14
Cyber bullying, safety & sexuality Attwood, Hénault & Dubin, 2014 Safety on the NET Sharing pictures on internet Social medias (Facebook, etc.) Prédators on the NET Pornography, illegal sites Online dating Cyber bullying, safety & sexuality Attwood, Hénault & Dubin, 2014 Some appropriate messages and news include: general pictures from holidays or news from a trip or vacation; invitations to special events or activities; and general news about school or work. 15
Cyber bullying, safety & sexuality Attwood, Hénault & Dubin, 2014 Definitely inappropriate messages and information include: personal details such as address or contact details; intimate pictures and information (about relationship, partner); any sexual content that includes messages, pictures or videos that are sent or requested; Cyber bullying, safety & sexuality Attwood, Hénault & Dubin, 2014 threats of any kind about school, work, an organization or an individual; asking intimate or sexual details of someone; downloading pictures or videos of child or juvenile pornography; and sending or sharing files, pictures or videos of child or juvenile pornography. 16
Interactive Games Prevention of abuse & Cyber intimidation http://www.spvm.qc.ca/en/jeunesse/ado jeuinteractif.asp YES NO I ask the other person s intentions If we both agree, we can be together What is consent? I tell the person my thoughts and plan OK or Not ok for the person? (consent) 17
YES at any time, I can change my mind Yes Yes Yes I invite the person in my room Yes No We kiss We touch each other s private parts Yes No We undress We touch each other s body Oui No We start foreplays and sexual behaviours No No Non close to the other Signs + I smile I want to hugg I want to touch I say nice things I want to kiss? 18
Signs - Pushing the other Crying Rigid Getting away Warning words* Unsure Refusing Stop! I am not sure! No! I change dmy mind! I don t feel good! It s too quick! Not now! Wait! 19
Verbal Informed Consent Tool Summary Sheet at YAI.org 5 indicators (total of 25 situations & questions): Choice to engage or abstain from sexual contact Prevention STI s & unwanted pregnancy Private/public Law Abuse & prevention Verbal Informed Consent Tool Summary Sheet at YAI.org Assessment of the capacity to give & ask sexual consent Recommendations & education Video 20
Outcomes. Communication abilities Quality time & intimacy Positive emotions Self esteem Decreasing the risk of sexual abuse Healthy sexuality Quality of life Romantic Relationships, new paper Tony Attwood Posted on November 24, 2015 by CLE http://experiencecle.com/2015/11/romantic relationshipsfor young adults with aspergers syndrome and highfunctioning autism/ 21
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Studies Sofronoff, Eloff, Sheffield & Attwood (2011) Increasing the Understanding and Demonstration of Appropriate Affection in Children with Asperger Syndrome: A Pilot Trial. Autism Research and Treatment 20. Attwood & Garnett (2012) The Construction and Evaluation of Three Measures of Affectionate Behaviour for Children with Asperger s syndrome. Autism, 10 0105 RI. Studies Sofronoff, K et al (2005) A randomised controlled trial of a CBT intervention for anxiety in children with Asperger syndrome. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 46, 1143 1151. Sofronoff, K et al (2007) A randomized controlled trial of a CBT intervention for anger management in children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 37, (1203 1214). 23