154 | sex education for autistic youth with Dr. Michelle Fardella

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Michelle Fardella, a clinical and school psychologist from Canada, to discuss the critical topic of sex education for autistic youth. The conversation covers various aspects, including the importance of proactive sex education, teaching body autonomy, consent, and addressing misconceptions. They delve into barriers faced by autistic youth in accessing comprehensive sex education and emphasize safety and appropriate teaching methods. Additionally, the episode touches on gender identity, sexual orientation, and provides practical resources for parents and educators. Trigger warnings and the importance of seeking support are also highlighted to ensure a safe and informative discussion.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:29 Meet Dr. Michelle Fardella02:43 Trigger Warning and Sensitive Topics03:57 Dr. Fardella's Background and Passion06:26 Challenges in Sex Education for Autistic Youth08:09 Importance of Tailored Sex Education10:27 Parental Mindset and Barriers18:03 Starting Early: Teaching Consent and Safety20:01 Navigating Discomfort and Finding Safe Persons23:43 The Accidental Exposure to Pornography23:58 Discussing Pornography with Young Children25:11 Proactive Conversations About Intercourse26:04 Addressing Misconceptions from Pornography28:13 Honesty in Answering Kids' Questions30:10 Resources for Teaching Sexual Health32:46 Masturbation: Education and Safety36:00 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation41:04 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesRESOURCES⚡️ find resources for talking about these topics on Dr. Michelle’s blog >> https://www.wondertreepractice.ca/post/a-caregiver-s-guide-to-teaching-sex-education-to-neurodivergent-youth⚡️follow WonderTree Practice on Instagram and learn more about their services here if you’re in Ontario⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current services offered? visit drtaylorday.com⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>Instagram @the.dr.tayTikTok @the.dr.tayLinkedIn @the-dr-tay