Sex Education Incorporating High-Leverage Practices for Students with Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Students with autism and developmental disabilities, including autism, have the right to access the age-appropriate sex education being provided to their peers, but may be unable to do so without adaptations and modifications. Psychologists, counselors, therapists, special educators, and social workers who work with those with autism and developmental disabilities are often called on to supplement sex education, but do not always have the background in both specialized instruction and sex education. This article provides examples of sex education using high-leverage practices for students with disabilities in both clinical and school-based settings. Resources are also provided for teaching sex education, and examples are offered of how sex education can be included in individualized education plans (IEPs).