Loretta Gallo-Lopez

Speaker Bio:

Loretta Gallo-Lopez, MA, LMHC, RPT-S, RDT-BCT is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor, a Registered Drama Therapist /Board Certified Trainer, and a licensed mental health counselor who brings to her workshops over 25 years of clinical experience with children, adolescents and families. She is co-editor of the books Play Therapy with Adolescents, and Play Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and has authored numerous chapters on the use of drama and play therapy with various client populations. In her private practice in Tampa, Florida, Loretta utilizes creative and innovative approaches to treat children and adolescents with a variety of issues ranging from sexual trauma and sexual behavior problems, to loss, life transitions, and anxiety, mood and behavior disorders. She specializes in work with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, as well as those with developmental disabilities and other special needs. In 2008 Loretta established The ACT Project, a drama therapy and performance program for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs. The ACT Project focus is the development and enhancement of a myriad of skills including verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and social competence. Loretta is a passionate believer in the therapeutic and life affirming benefits of play and the arts.

Title:

Healthy Sexuality: Understanding, Managing and Responding to Sexual Behaviors in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Description:

Although sexuality is understandably a difficult topic to address, it is quite simply an integral part of being human and as such, a topic that must be addressed proactively with all students – including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This workshop will address the connection between sexual behaviors and the social/communication challenges of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and the need to consider these challenges when teaching about sexuality and responding to sexual behaviors. Topics to be addressed include the use of social teaching methods such as role play and the Circles of Comfort technique, understanding private vs. public behaviors, appropriate vs. inappropriate touch, socio-sexual topics such as attitudes and values, the basics of sexual safety and hygiene, issues related to social interaction and the stages of social relationships, as well as strategies for effectively managing and responding to sexual behaviors in the classroom.

Objectives:

1) Participants will understand the connection between sexual behaviors and the social/communication challenges of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.

2) Participants will learn to utilize the Circles of Comfort technique and other social teaching methods to teach about and address issues related to social/intimate relationships, physical interaction, appropriate vs. inappropriate touch and safety.

3) Participants will learn strategies to appropriately manage and respond to sexual behaviors in the classroom.