Empowered: A Center for Sexuality LLc的动态

“A recent study examinines how variations in sex chromosomes—termed “sex chromosome dosage”—may influence the “likelihood of autism,” adding to the ongoing dialogue about autism and gender diversity. Sex chromosome dosage refers to how having additional or fewer chromosomes, like an extra Y or only one X, might affect the expression of “autistic traits.” Yet, the language employed in this study, such as “autism risk” and the frequent use of odds ratios to measure “significance,” reveals a more significant issue within autism research: a framework that often implies autism as something to be avoided or minimised, framing it within a “risk” paradigm that can overshadow neurodiversity. Using odds ratios can amplify perceived “severity” and make findings seem more striking than they may actually be, inadvertently casting autism in a negative light...”

Ever wonder if sexology is the right path for you? Our Sexuality Experiences Evaluation (SEE) comes with 10 #BACB CEUs and is a great way to test the waters of sexuality-related work! It's also a requirement for the CBS program, but can be taken by those who are not CBS students! We still have VIRTUAL slots open for the SEE occurring at the end of this month (July 28 and 29, 6-11:30PM Central both nights). This is the only SEE that is virtual, and also the only one we have at our base price of $500 for the virtual attendees. Get that equitable access -- reduced costs, no travel concerns, safe for immunocompromised folx, like myself! Learn from: - 2 [self-identified] #Autistic, Kinky Queers who share their stories and asks for clinicians - 1 Partner Surrogate, who shares her methodology and history of working alongside clinicians - 1 [non-offending] Minor-Attracted Person/MAP, who runs a support group for others and shares narratives, along with relevant clinical guidelines for assisting people in need - Me, a non-binary Autistic sexologist who survived reparative therapy, and have been doing this sex-positive and affirming work in #ABA for 12 years - Each other, as everyone's learning histories become relevant to discussions Also, if you're in Australia and want to attend live, hit me up because I will be there hosting the live components for the in-person attendees! (In-person cost is $700 USD and includes 4 meals and 2 post-event walking tours) #continuingeducation #sexology #sexualityexperiencesevaluation #sba #sexualbehavioranalysis #affirmingcare #sexpositivity #retreat #listening

Another recent study I’ve read has looked at sex differences and informant discrepancies in reporting autism traits among youth. Unsurprisingly, the researchers found that while parents reported similar levels of autistic traits for both sexes, teachers noted more traits in males. The discrepancy probably contributes to the underidentification of autism in girls due to masking/camouflaging at school. I’m sure it also contributes to many parents feeling dismissed and invalidated when talking about their concerns with schoolteachers. The article is here - https://lnkd.in/gRfeZR4m #AutismResearch #Neurodiversity #Education #InclusionMatters

Sexuality education is evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of transformation. As I reflect on the trends emerging in this field, I’m struck by how much they mirror the world we’re living in: more connected, more inclusive, and more focused on individual well-being. From the growing use of technology to create personalized experiences to the inclusion of diverse voices and stories in the curriculum, it’s clear that we’re moving towards a future where sexuality education is not just about facts—it’s about empowerment. This isn’t just a professional interest for me; it’s deeply personal. Seeing how these changes can shape healthier relationships, better communication, and more fulfilling lives motivates me every day. What changes do you hope to see in how we educate about sexuality? Let’s start the conversation and don’t forget to share this if you find it useful. #SexualityEducation #InclusiveLearning #Empowerment #Sexology #Sextherapy #phdstudent #psychology #psychosexology

Oh wow wow wow!! I’m beside myself with the news that San Antonio’s own Dr. Don Lucas will be joining us for LaTeaDa ‘s next Networking Event TEA TALK on June 3rd at 8:30am at LaTeaDa! Don will share his insights after freshly completing his latest WONDERMENT, check out his Facebook posts and enjoy his amazing musings as he tries two new teas every day for the entire month of May! Don will share his tea insights and help us all connect the dots and enhance the many pleasures this wonderful life has to offer! Don’t miss this one of a kind speaker and leave with a gift that will keep on giving for the rest of your life! Dr. Don Lucas, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology and the coordinator of the psychology department at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas. He is a fellow of the Southwestern Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science. Dr. Lucas or Dr. Don, as his students affectionately refer to him, is the author of the book, Being: Your Happiness, Pleasure, and Contentment; and the author of the teaching modules, The Psychology of Human Sexuality and Human Sexual Anatomy and Physiology, published on nobaproject.com. His teaching has been featured by The San Antonio Express News, SA Scene Magazine, KENS5 CBS, and KSAT12 ABC; his teaching has earned him a number of awards, including the Minnie Stevens Piper Award: The oldest and most prestigious teaching award for higher education in the state of Texas. Dr. Don hosts 5MIweekly, a virtual science-based sex education course on YouTube, composed of original and pedagogically interactive videos. 5MIweekly has over a million views and thousands of subscribers. Human sexuality instructors from more than a dozen states and multiple countries use 5MIweekly’s videos within their classes. Additionally, 5MIweekly is on the professionally-reviewed learning platform Merlot and consistently is being shared by a variety of sex therapists and counselors. When not teaching or doing research, Dr. Don likely can be found either doing or writing about Wonderments on his Medium channel. Intertwining novelty and contentment, Wonderments are autotelic experiences, and can take the form of walking every aisle of every San Antonio HEB, eating only McRibs, cannonballing in every San Antonio public swimming pool, climbing one-thousand flights of stairs, giving something to every San Antonio Goodwill, doing ten-thousand pushups, riding all of San Antonio’s VIA bus routes, surviving an abject poverty diet, visiting all of San Antonio’s chocolate shops, complimenting 50 strangers, hiking every San Antonio park trail or drinking 62 different pots of teas in a month’s time. Discovered by Dr. Don, Wonderments are the basis of human growth and learning! Join him at laTEAda to learn more about this fascinating approach to improving your life experience! Donald R. Lucas, Ph.D. (He/Him/His) Professor of Psychology Coordinator, Northwest Vista College Psychology Department

Happy Pride Month!! ???? Intersectionality Fun Fact-Autism, LGBTQIAP2S+ community, and genderqueer/non-binary and transgender identities: While I consider it understated: Research published since 2018 establishes that at least 70% of autistic folx identify as part of the LGBTQIAP2S+ community and at least 30% identify as non-binary and/or part of the transgender community. This makes it all the more important for trainings and resources to be created, accessible, and available for professionals working with Autism+ folx to support and engage in these conversations in an informed and affirming manner. Check out one of the most recent analyses (as far as I know) on the topic: Gerhardt, P.F., Cauchi, J., Gravino, A. (2022). Sexuality and sexuality education with individuals with Autism: What you should know but probably don’t. In: Leaf, J.B., Cihon, J.H., Ferguson, J.L., Gerhardt, P.F. (eds) Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://lnkd.in/ggraNRZ5

New Blog: Autism & Intimacy Sex and intimacy are deeply personal experiences that can be complex for everyone, but for those on the autism spectrum, they come with unique challenges and nuances. In a space where inclusive education is still lacking, my latest blog post aims to address how neurodivergence, particularly autism, can influence sexual experiences and relationships. This blog delves into key themes like: Sensory Sensitivity: How different touch and sensations can feel vastly different for autistic individuals. Communication Styles: Why clear, direct communication is essential and how neurodivergent people may express their needs differently. Emotional Regulation: The impact of sensory overload and hormonal shifts on emotional responses post-intimacy. Routine & Preferences: Why some autistic individuals thrive on structure, while others might enjoy more spontaneous play. As the research around neurodivergence and sex is still limited, it’s important to create more space for these conversations. I also highlight the need for better access to resources for autistic individuals who may struggle to find accurate, inclusive information—especially with increasing censorship in the wellness and sexuality space. If you're interested in learning more about the intersection of autism, intimacy, and accessibility, check out the full blog and join the conversation on how we can better support neurodivergent individuals in their intimate lives. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/efPk7G-E Just think - if the bedroom isn't accessible, imagine how difficult work/public/home life is. #Autism #Neurodivergence #SexualHealth #InclusiveSexEd #Intimacy #BDSM #Sexuality #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity #Censorship #SexualWellness #NSFW

?? **Kickstart or Boost Your 2025 Career as a Therapist or Clinician!** ??As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to invest in your professional growth and take your career to the next level! Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, expand your expertise, or earn a certification that sets you apart, our upcoming **workshops and certification programs** are designed with YOU in mind. ???Why join??? **Expert-Led Workshops**: Learn from top professionals in the field who bring real-world insights and actionable strategies.???? **Cutting-Edge Techniques**: Stay ahead of the curve with training on the latest evidence-based practices in therapy and clinical care as related to Sexology, Addictions, Transgender Care and more.???? **Certification Opportunities**: Gain credentials that demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development, by becoming Board Certified.?? **Network with Peers**: Build relationships with like-minded professionals and expand your support network, on an international scale.??? **Practical Application**: Implement new skills immediately into your practice to better serve your clients.Whether you're just starting or a seasoned clinician looking to evolve, these programs are tailored to provide you with the tools to **excel in 2025 and beyond**.?? **Don’t miss out**! Spaces are limited, and registration is open now. See flyer above for specific workshop and certification class dates.? ??** Flexible Payment Options**! You may choose to pay in full or split payments, whatever works for you because investing in your education is key. ?? Click the link below to apply or scan the QR code on the flyer and secure your spot. Let’s make this year the most transformative one yet for your career! ?? https://lnkd.in/eBeb353h?#Therapist #Clinician #ProfessionalDevelopment #TherapyWorkshops #Certification #CareerGrowth #2025Goals?#IICS?#TCT?#Sexology?#transgendercare?#KinkBDSM?#Niche?#Addictions?#SexOffender

?? Are you considering a career in sexual health or therapy and wondering how AASECT certification can support your path? I’ve been there, and I’d love to share my journey and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way. ????? In October 2012, I began my Certificate in Sex Therapy & Sex Education at the University of Michigan, right before starting my dissertation. Many thought I was out of my mind, but I knew this was the right step! Learning about the diversity of human sexuality was liberating and set the foundation for my career. ????? ?? After earning my certifications, I knew I wanted to help others move from shame to liberation. In 2016, I achieved AASECT certification after completing my postdoc at the University of Minnesota. By 2020, I became an AASECT Certified Sex Supervisor—so I know this process and love helping others navigate it! ???? That said, AASECT isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Many of our students earn their Certificate in Sexual Health and choose other paths, applying their knowledge in fulfilling ways. The choice is yours! ??? ?? AASECT guidelines can get complicated, so if you’d like to chat, I’m here—just send me a DM. And for more direct guidance, join our next cohort, starting January 11, 2025. P.S. Two Tips for Meeting AASECT Requirements: ?? Understand AASECT’s Core Requirements AASECT requires 150 hours of Continuing Education (CE) in areas like sexual health, ethics, and diversity. ?? Enroll in an AASECT-Approved Program Programs like ours at The Sexual Health School cover 45 hours of live, interactive courses on trauma-informed care and somatic sexology, plus 105 hours of on-demand content for flexible learning. P.P.S?Send a DM to get the Google Meet link for our Virtual Open House on Wednesday, November 13 at 3 pm HST. #TheSexualHealthSchool #AASECTCertification #CareerInSexTherapy #LatinxTherapist #BIPOCsextherapists #InclusiveEducation #Empowerment #LatinxSupervisor

?? Are you considering a career in sexual health or therapy and wondering how AASECT certification can support your path? I’ve been there, and I’d love to share my journey and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way. ????? In October 2012, I began my Certificate in Sex Therapy & Sex Education at the University of Michigan, right before starting my dissertation. Many thought I was out of my mind, but I knew this was the right step! Learning about the diversity of human sexuality was liberating and set the foundation for my career. ????? ?? After earning my certifications, I knew I wanted to help others move from shame to liberation. In 2016, I achieved AASECT certification after completing my postdoc at the University of Minnesota. By 2020, I became an AASECT Certified Sex Supervisor—so I know this process and love helping others navigate it! ???? That said, AASECT isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Many of our students earn their Certificate in Sexual Health and choose other paths, applying their knowledge in fulfilling ways. The choice is yours! ??? ?? AASECT guidelines can get complicated, so if you’d like to chat, I’m here—just send me a DM. And for more direct guidance, join our next cohort, starting January 11, 2025. P.S. Two Tips for Meeting AASECT Requirements: ?? Understand AASECT’s Core Requirements AASECT requires 150 hours of Continuing Education (CE) in areas like sexual health, ethics, and diversity. ?? Enroll in an AASECT-Approved Program Programs like ours at The Sexual Health School cover 45 hours of live, interactive courses on trauma-informed care and somatic sexology, plus 105 hours of on-demand content for flexible learning. P.P.S?Send a DM to get the Google Meet link for our Virtual Open House on Wednesday, November 13 at 3 pm HST. #TheSexualHealthSchool #AASECTCertification #CareerInSexTherapy #LatinxTherapist #BIPOCsextherapists #InclusiveEducation #Empowerment #LatinxSupervisor