Visiting OCALICON with the Healthy Relationships Curriculum
We recently traveled to Columbus, Ohio for OCALICON, a conference for those who work with individuals with autism and disabilities. We had the opportunity to talk with hundreds of people about the Healthy Relationships Curriculum, including state and national leaders, educators, parents, service providers, self-advocates, scholars, and policy makers.
During our time on the road with the Healthy Relationships Curriculum, we have noticed some common themes from the stories we hear from professionals and parents who work with young adults with cognitive challenges. They are worried about their kids, students, and clients’ abilities to interact with others in the adult world. Will they be happy? Will they be financially independent? Will they be able to avoid major conflict with those around them? Will they be safe?
The lessons included in the Healthy Relationships Curriculum are personal in nature and are not always covered in a standard classroom setting. For young adults with autism and other cognitive challenges, spending time discussing these topics can make a huge difference in their future success.
Some of the topics that are covered in our curriculum include:
- Personal Care and Hygiene
- Safety in the restroom
- Privacy
- Learning about their bodies
- Different types of relationships, i.e. acquaintance, friend, bully
- Dating
- Using social media safely
- Small Talk
- Personal space and social boundaries
No matter where we’re traveling to, we find that interpersonal skills are a major need for young adults with autism. We hope that by attending OCALICON, we were able to reach more schools and behavioral health organizations in Ohio that will in turn use the curriculum to help the populations they serve!
If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in the Healthy Relationships Curriculum, click here to request a sample packet.
