Comprehensive Sexuality Education for Autistic Youth: School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Capacity Development Needs

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study used a cross-sectional survey design to explore school-based occupational therapy practitioners’ (SBOTPs) perceived capacity development needs to support comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) with autistic youth K-12 in the school setting in the United States (US). An online survey was distributed to SBOTPs via social media platforms. Thirty complete responses from SBOTPs across 18 states in the United States were received. Findings indicate that despite participants’ overall positive beliefs about the sexuality of autistic youth and support for SBOTPs teaching most CSE key concepts, they do not currently teach most CSE key concepts. Also, few to no materials and tools to teach sexuality to autistic youth in the school setting were reported. Participants reported a lack of CSE policies for all learners in their schools. These findings support a need for capacity development activities directed toward occupational therapy (OT) practitioners to build their comprehensive sexual education knowledge, skills, and school-based practices for autistic youth in the United States.