Date of Award

1-1-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Organizational Unit

Morgridge College of Education, Teaching and Learning Sciences, Child, Family, and School Psychology

First Advisor

Cynthia Hazel, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Bruce Uhrmacher

Third Advisor

Sharolyn Pollard-Durodola

Fourth Advisor

Julie Laser

Fifth Advisor

Devadrita Talapatra

Keywords

Autism, Delphi method, Guidelines, High functioning, Sexuality education

Abstract

To date, there is very little existing research on the sexuality education of high functioning adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) even though current research suggests that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2014). Through group consensus of experts in ASD representing families, school-based professionals, and researchers, this study aimed to reach an agreed upon understanding of the essential components necessary in teaching high functioning students with ASD about sexuality. Using the Delphi method, expert participants responded to three iterative questionnaires and provided their opinions and recommendations on the content, delivery, and responsibilities of schools and families regarding sexuality education curricula designed specifically for high functioning adolescents with ASD. Based on participant responses, the Guidelines for Developing Sexuality Education Curricula for High Functioning Adolescent Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder were developed.

These guidelines are intended to be used as a tool to guide future sexuality education curriculum development that address the specific needs of high functioning students with ASD and to provide suggestions to modify existing curricula so that the needs of high functioning adolescents students are met. Additionally, families, school psychologists, and researchers are advised to utilize these Guidelines as an advocacy tool to increase awareness of the unique needs of high functioning students with ASD regarding their sexuality education and to initiate conversations and action.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Brittany Sovran Greiert

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Format

application/pdf

Language

en

File Size

246 p.

Discipline

Educational Psychology, Social Sciences Education, Public Health Education

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