LOVE, SEX AND AUTISM
autism news - 17 March 2011
Date: 2011-04-07 | Venue: Business Design Centre, Islington
Brookdale Care is exhibting at Community Care Living on the 18th & 19th May.
Free autism seminar on LOVE, SEX AND ASC
To help raise awareness of the variety of difficulties adults with autism face we are hosting a series of free autism seminars, this seminar is focussing on LOVE, SEX and ASC.
Many people on the autistic spectrum have difficulty with verbal and non verbal communication, social relationships and understanding the unspoken ‘rules’ of society. This can create numerous issues for the individual and the people they meet, with consequences ranging from minor misunderstandings to major criminal offences.
Extract from an article by Joseph Powell, adult with Asperger syndrome:
I don’t think I will ever have a girlfriend. Not only don’t I know what girls are for (at 34 years old) I would find being married and sharing a home and a bedroom with someone else sheer hell. Don’t get me wrong I have fallen in love with girls several times and I do get sexually attracted to girls. But it would never occur to me in a million years that I am allowed to have a relationship or that people actually have sex. And more to the point I haven’t a clue how people get from mutual attraction to becoming a couple and why on earth they would want to? What am I expected to do as a husband? I think I would also find it hard to understand that my girlfriend will have faults and that this is ok.
The autism seminar is your opportunity to learn about Love, Sex and ASC and how to support your clients to have appropriate relationships in time for Valentine’s Day. Here are the timings for the seminar:
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Timing
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Schedule
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10.30 – 11.00
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Registration : Tea & Coffee
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11.00 – 11.05
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Introduction from Mark Goldsborough, Hospital Manager
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11.05 – 11.45
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Introduction to Autistic Spectrum Conditions Keynote Presentation by Dr Fiona Scott, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University.
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11.45 – 12.25
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Difficulties people with ASC have with relationships
* Social relationships
* Friendships
* Sexual relationships
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12.25 – 12.40
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Tea break
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12.40 – 1.10
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Supporting people to develop & maintain positive relationships
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1.10 – 1.40
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Issues surrounding puberty and sexuality
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1.40 - onwards
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Lunch & Networking & Tour of the service
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seminar, on
Wednesday 25th May, is aimed at Care Professionals involved in the care and support of young people on the autistic spectrum.
Due to high demand the seminar is now being hosted at Wyboston Lakes Conference Suite. The address is:
Wyboston Lakes
Great North Road
Wyboston
Bedfordshire
MK44 3AL
Reception: 0845 2300 666
Register here for the free autism seminar. Please email your name, job title, organisation and contact details - alternatively you can complete the 'Registration' form. Unfortunately, due to limited spaces we can only offer free delegate places to care professionals working in Location Authorities, PCTs and charities, if you work for a private company and are interested in attending the free seminar than please register as we may be able to distribute any spare spaces after allocation.
We hope to see you on the 25th May – put it in your diaries now.