A Pilot Program for Teaching Sexuality and Relationships to Adults with Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

This article focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a specially tailored sexuality education curriculum for young autistic adults. Using the Organization for Autism Research’s (OAR) online curriculum adapted for direct instruction, twelve autistic participants in a university-based post-secondary program received eight weeks of face-to-face sexuality education covering topics such as consent, healthy relationships, and online safety. Results from pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) Interpersonal Relationships domain showed significant gains in participants’ knowledge of interpersonal relationships after the tailored instruction, with social validity data indicating that most participants found the lessons helpful and relevant to their independent living goals. The study highlights the importance of customized, evidence-based sexuality education delivered in supportive environments to address the unique social and cognitive needs of autistic adults.