What Is Sex?: A Guide for People with Autism, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Hardcover

This carefully written and illustrated book provides an explanation of sex for people with autism and special education needs and disabilities (SEND). It helps readers to understand the physical processes as well as important issues such as consent and sexual safety, helping them to develop positive relationships.

Many people with autism and SEND have or will have intimate relationships. Often sex is alluded to, rather than being carefully explored. This can create confusion around consent, sexual health, and pregnancy, and cause people to turn to dubious online information. This book frankly explains sex so that the reader has a clear understanding of what constitutes sex, knowledge of the proper names for sexual organs and sexual activities, and is aware of the potential physical consequences of having sex.

About author(s):

Kate E. Reynolds MDS, PGDC, PGDHE, BSc (Hons) SA, RGN is mother to two young people on the autism spectrum, one of whom has intellectual disabilities. She worked for the UK's National Health Service for 18 years, largely in HIV and sexual health. Kate has written 12 books, most published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and almost all about aspects of relationships and sexuality. She works closely with parents and professionals, as a trainer, consultant and researcher. Kate speaks at conferences and briefed the All Party Parliamentary Group about sex education and disability. Kate can be accessed through her website www.kateereynolds.com for professionals and www.autismagonyaunt.com for parents and carers.

Jonathon Powell lives in Brisbane, Australia and has a Diploma in Fine Art and Bachelor of Animation at Griffith University, Queensland. He has illustrated for the 'Sexuality and Safety with Tom & Ellie' six book series by Kate E. Reynolds, 'Can I tell you about PDA syndrome' by Ruth Fidler & Phil Christie, and 'Making Sense of Sex' by Sarah Attwood, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. He provided artwork and animations for Family Planning Queensland (True) including an education annual 'Talking About It' and a CD-Rom package 'Puberty Plus'. Jonathon also illustrated 'What are Relationships?' by Kate E. Reynolds.