Outline of Presentation:

The last numbers of years have seen rapid development in interventions related to Asperger Syndrome (AS). However, programs incorporating themes related to interpersonal relationships and sexuality are very few in number despite the pressing concerns of individuals, families and couples affected by AS.

This workshop concerns the learning of appropriate sexual behaviours for adolescents and young adults with Asperger Syndrome. The aim is to understand and identify how intensive sex education can successfully replace problem sexual behaviours with new behaviours that enhance social adaptation.

The presentation will elaborate on strategies to improve the social and sexual skills of individuals with AS. The following topics will be addressed: (1) Puberty and sexual development; (2) Friendship: personal values, personality and interpreting different messages; (3) Emotions: "Mind Reading" software, how to read emotions of the face, emotions related to sexuality; (4) Communication: verbal and nonverbal, Theory of Mind, role-playing; (5) Sexual behaviour: enhancing appropriate behaviours, hyper- and hyposensitivity of the body; (6) Intimacy :, misinterpretations, limits; and (7) Interpersonal relationships in different contexts: school, work, friends, couples.

The socio-sexual program (Henault, 2005) is divided in twelve themes and activities:

1. Assessment and introduction to the program
2. Introduction to sexuality and communication
3. Love and friendship
4. Physiological aspects and the sexual response cycle
5. Sexual intercourse and other behaviours
6. Emotions
7. STI's, HIV, and prevention
8. Sexual orientation and preferences
9. Alcohol, drugs, and sexuality
10.Sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviours
11.Sexism and violence
12.Managing emotions, theory of mind, and intimacy

The results indicate that providing information and sex education is beneficial in meeting the needs of the Asperger population by decreasing inappropriate sexual behaviours and enhancing social skills. Overall, this program allowed individuals with Asperger Syndrome to become independent and achieve a socially appropriate level of functioning.

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