Autism And Sexual Abuse - Create Awareness To Prevent Abuse
Monday, May 11th, 2009
Abhishek Agarwal asked:
The danger of sexual abuse is the most perverse problem that autistic children have to face in their life. This can either be in the form of an abusive relationship or can be rape. Because people suffering from autism have to face so many difficulties and feel so different and left out, they tend to enjoy sexual experiences because it makes them feel equal to others. A lot of people take advantage of this and often this becomes the basis for control in a relationship. One must remember that people suffering from autism experience sexuality in the same way as others, irrespective of how highly they function. It is the duty of parents to ensure their child is taught about sexuality at an early age itself so that no sort of sexual abuse occurs.
The most important command that a person can learn when it comes to sexuality in a relationship is “no.” A child who has learnt this is better off. When it comes to sexuality, you should deal with your autistic child the same as you would with any child of yours. Teach your child the different body parts and ensure you maintain clarity when, at a later stage, you tell him or her what puberty is and the different behaviors that are acceptable and unacceptable. Make sure your child knows what a good touch is and what a bad touch is. Because autistic children are generally sensitive to any kind of touch, this could be a little difficult. It might prove to be helpful if you label different zones present on the body where nobody is allowed to touch without getting permission.
Make sure that as the child grows, he or she has a clear understanding as to what exactly rape is and how he or she should react and act if this ever happens. Many autistic children learn better when things are demonstrated, so you could take some potentially dangerous and threatening situations and role play them for the child’s benefit. If your child is not verbal, make them learn signs that they should show if they want somebody to stop whatever they are doing. It is very common for autistic people to presume that everybody is thinking the way they think and so they cannot understand if somebody has some other thought or emotion. For this reason, they find it difficult to believe that there are bad people in this world who might take advantage of them sexually. The child should understand the kind of conduct and dress that is appropriate when in public so no sexual attention is attracted unknowingly. They should know what sort of behavior can call unnecessary attention to themselves.
Make sure that you teach your child to respect her or his body and to expect the same respect from others. For this it is very important that educators and parents teach the autistic child about her or his body from an early age. Teaching a child, autistic or not, how to avoid sexual abuse will ensure that she or he is protected from wrong doers and criminals.
Pauline
The danger of sexual abuse is the most perverse problem that autistic children have to face in their life. This can either be in the form of an abusive relationship or can be rape. Because people suffering from autism have to face so many difficulties and feel so different and left out, they tend to enjoy sexual experiences because it makes them feel equal to others. A lot of people take advantage of this and often this becomes the basis for control in a relationship. One must remember that people suffering from autism experience sexuality in the same way as others, irrespective of how highly they function. It is the duty of parents to ensure their child is taught about sexuality at an early age itself so that no sort of sexual abuse occurs.
The most important command that a person can learn when it comes to sexuality in a relationship is “no.” A child who has learnt this is better off. When it comes to sexuality, you should deal with your autistic child the same as you would with any child of yours. Teach your child the different body parts and ensure you maintain clarity when, at a later stage, you tell him or her what puberty is and the different behaviors that are acceptable and unacceptable. Make sure your child knows what a good touch is and what a bad touch is. Because autistic children are generally sensitive to any kind of touch, this could be a little difficult. It might prove to be helpful if you label different zones present on the body where nobody is allowed to touch without getting permission.
Make sure that as the child grows, he or she has a clear understanding as to what exactly rape is and how he or she should react and act if this ever happens. Many autistic children learn better when things are demonstrated, so you could take some potentially dangerous and threatening situations and role play them for the child’s benefit. If your child is not verbal, make them learn signs that they should show if they want somebody to stop whatever they are doing. It is very common for autistic people to presume that everybody is thinking the way they think and so they cannot understand if somebody has some other thought or emotion. For this reason, they find it difficult to believe that there are bad people in this world who might take advantage of them sexually. The child should understand the kind of conduct and dress that is appropriate when in public so no sexual attention is attracted unknowingly. They should know what sort of behavior can call unnecessary attention to themselves.
Make sure that you teach your child to respect her or his body and to expect the same respect from others. For this it is very important that educators and parents teach the autistic child about her or his body from an early age. Teaching a child, autistic or not, how to avoid sexual abuse will ensure that she or he is protected from wrong doers and criminals.
Pauline
