In recent years, Internet accessibility has increased the consumption of pornographic images and sites.
Social networks are present in the lives of most autistic adolescents and adults. The rules surrounding the legal aspect of social media content remain unclear. Thus, the risk is high for autistic people who browse online without knowing the risks and consequences associated with chat exchanges, viewing and/or distribution of illegal material.
In this webinar, strategies and tools adapted to the autistic profile in terms of education and prevention of illegal and inappropriate sexual behaviour will be presented, in addition to concrete cases. The notion of consent will be addressed using appropriate educational tools.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the challenges of Internet navigation.
- Utilize educational strategies to use the Internet safely.
- Prevent at-risk behaviours and expand knowledge about legal aspects of sexuality.
This webinar is appropriate for caregivers of autistic youth from pre-teen to young adulthood. Please see the additional resources attached below for more information on this topic.
This presentation contains material that might be difficult to discuss. This presentation mentions themes of pornography and abuse, including sexual abuse. These themes will be discussed in a sensitive and educational way, emphasizing prevention.
For more information on this topic, please see the additional resources attached below.
Speaker: Dr. Isabelle Hénault, Psychologist & Sexologist, Montreal Autism & Asperger’s Clinic
Dr. Isabelle Hénault, is a sexologist and psychologist from the University of Québec in Montréal, Canada. Her practice and studies have focused on providing diagnosis, education and support to children, adolescents, adults, and couples living with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. She has developed a relationship and sex education program, works with individuals and groups to increase their understanding of sexuality, and conducts relationship counselling. She is currently collaborating on numerous international research initiatives involving socio-sexual education and interpersonal relationships. She worked for over two years and a half at Tony Attwood’s clinic in Australia.
Dr. Hénault is the author of Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence through Adulthood, published by Jessica Kingsley Publisher, London (2005) and co-author of The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality and the Law (Attwood, Hénault & Dubin) published by Jessica Kingsley Publisher, London (2014). She also published the book The Female Profile of Autism (Chenelière Education, 2020; JKP, 2023) and collaborated on the book Working with Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary People (Kourti & coll, 2021).
Moderator: Matt Ley
Matt Ley is the current President and co-founder of The Streaming Network. Starting his career in virtual events in 2007, Matt is an industry veteran who is passionate about helping customers stand out in their industry with compelling virtual events that people want to attend. The driving ambition for Matt is that virtual events are not a utility for information distribution but an opportunity for firms to create a competitive advantage. Matt is an accomplished speaker, moderator and a sought-after thought leader.
Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.