Sexual Health Sessions (For Parent Carers of Children & Teens with Additional Support Needs (5 Week Course)

Sexual Health Sessions (For Parent Carers of Children & Teens with Additional Support Needs (5 Week Course)
In Person Course

Session 1 - A Gentle Introduction to Puberty and Growing up - Coffee and Cake with Corrie

This practical training workshop will help you understand how having an additional support need may affect the way young people learn about sex and relationships.

We will explore sexual rights and stigmas related to people with a learning disability and/or autism, as well as practical tips and resources that will improve your knowledge and confidence in providing support for the young people you work with.

  • Key age and intellectual milestones and important topics: talking and body parts, puberty, sex, relationships and consent.
  • Case studies and practical tips to help improve confidence and knowledge in your delivery.
  • Key resources and examples of how to adapt and use them in your everyday practice. 

Session 2 - Growing up: Discussing puberty and managing big feelings with autistic young people

This practical training workshop will help you understand how being autistic can affect the way young people experience puberty and the emotional changes of adolescence.

We will provide practical tips and resources that will improve your knowledge and confidence in providing support for the young people you work with.

  • The link between autism and mental health, and why puberty can be distressing for some young autistic people
  • Why our children may find learning about puberty and their changing bodies more challenging
  • The impact of masking
  • Practical tools and resources to help support autistic young people during this transitional period
  • Key local and national resources and examples of how to adapt them to fit the needs of the young people you support

Session 3 - Sex, gender and sexuality: supporting LGBTQIA young people with autism

New research is showing us the link between gender, sexuality and autism. This session explores what we know from research, and how we can support autistic people through their exploration of sexuality and gender.

  • The history of sexuality and disability.
  • The diversity of the LGBTQIA community
  • The difference between sex, gender, gender expression and attraction.
  • The relationship between gender and autism.
  • Practical tools on how to explore LGBTQIA with your children.
  • Relevant national and local resources

Session 4 - The Birds and the Bees and the Internet: supporting ASN children and young people to navigate relationships online

Our children's interaction with their phones and being online can often worry us, especially if our children are more vulnerable to abuse.

During this session, we will learn more about what young people are doing online and how we can support them in learning about the risks of online relationships (friendships and romantic)

  • The prevalence of sexting, common platforms for sharing sexts and how the law protects young people
  • What the law says about sexting, grooming and being online
  • Strategies to inform young people and reduce harm
  • Strategies and tools we have as parents and carers to support our children's use of devices

Session 5 - Public and Private Places and Behaviours 

Learning about the rules around public and private behaviours can be challenging for young people and adults with additional support needs.
 
This session sensitively explores the topic and how we can support young people and adults.
 
  • Key indicators and milestones in puberty to look out for around masturbation
  • How to promote the learning of public and private places
  • Strategies to help redirect, distract, and reinforce public and private behaviours
  • Practical resources that can help make your children less vulnerable

Available Dates / Times:

5 Week Course

  • Wednesday 05 March 2025, 10:30am - 12:30pm
  • Wednesday 12 March 2025, 10:30am - 12:30pm
  • Wednesday 19 March 2025, 10:30am - 12:30pm
  • Wednesday 26 March 2025, 10:30am - 12:30pm
  • Wednesday 02 April 2025, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Venue:

Cairnlea Parish Church (Old Flower Hill Parish Church), 127-129 Graham Street, Airdrie, ML6 6DE

How to book:

To book your place, please complete our Online Carer Training Registration Form:

Carer Training Booking Form

Alternatively, you can contact us below.


Provided By:

In partnership with:

Course Type:

In Person

Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Hamilton

Ground Floor Left
Princes Gate
60 Castle Street
Hamilton
ML3 6BU

Monday - Friday:
9:00am to 4:30pm

Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Airdrie

Airdrie Locality Support Services
92 Hallcraig Street
Airdrie
ML6 6AW

Monday - Friday:
9:00am to 4:30pm