Amy Gravino, M.A., is an autism sexuality advocate and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult
Autism Services at Rutgers University. She is also the President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which offers
autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for organizations, schools, individuals on
the autism spectrum, and their families. Amy is an international speaker who has given TED talks,
spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented worldwide to
audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on the
subject of autism and sexuality. Ms. Gravino obtained her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
from Caldwell University in 2010 and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Specialisterne USA,
Yes She Can, Inc. and the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, as well as the Scientific
Advisory Board of Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK). She is an award-winning
writer whose work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research,
Reader’s Digest, special education textbooks, and other outlets. Visit www.amygravino.com to learn
more.
Presentation at the ABA International Conference 2021.
Sexuality and the Spectrum: Lessons on ABA, Dating, and Love, Autism Style
Individuals on the autism spectrum are sexual beings, yet ABA as a field has not risen to the challenge of helping autistic people learn skills related to dating and sexuality. This session, which features a woman on the autism spectrum sharing her firsthand perspective, will discuss how and why the field of ABA has fallen short in teaching dating skills, what we can do better, and the potential challenges involved with teaching these skills. Strategies and resources will also be offered to help professionals and parents begin conversations about relationships and sexuality with their children and clients.
This presentation will be held in English.