How to Respond to Sexualized Acts: A Research-Based Guide for Families and Frontline Staff Working with Neurodivergent Individuals

by Kate E. Reynolds

Overview

Relationships and sexuality are key elements of human development, and neurodivergent individuals may need additional support to navigate them safely. Grounded in peer-reviewed research and work with key academics and practitioners, Kate Reynolds guides families and frontline staff through responding to and preventing sexualized acts. She provides practical advice and strategies to effectively and positively support individuals at an early stage, before psychiatric services or law enforcement become involved.

The book covers attitudes and common responses to sexualized acts, the role of applied behavioral analysis, the neurodiversity movement and structural issues which impact healthy relationships and sexual development. Each chapter has an easy-read summary to help parents who may have a learning difficulty and to allow staff to create accessible resources.

Emphasising the importance of communication, the need for consistent support for individuals and with an emphasis on human rights, the book explores how and when families and frontline staff can work together to support the people they care for.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781805010111
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	06/19/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Kate Reynolds is an experienced author, adviser, public speaker and autism parent, who focuses on relationships and sexuality in autism and intellectual disability. She has written the Tom and Ellie books for JKP, as well as the recent Healthy Loving, Healthy Living series.
Kate has a Masters in Disability Studies, is working towards a doctorate and currently is doing research for the Churchill Trust. She has given papers at national and international conferences, including the National Autistic Society, the Chromosome 18 Europe conference and the All Party Parliamentary Group on disability and sex education. Kate runs workshops for parents and frontline staff, and does specific work with autistic or intellectually disabled individuals.

Kate E. Reynolds, MSc (Dist) BSc. RGN. PGDipHEd. PGDipCouns., worked for the UK's National Health Service for 18 years, seven of which were in HIV/Aids and sexual health as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Senior Counsellor and staff trainer. In 2005 Kate's son was diagnosed as having 'classic' autism with intellectual (learning) disabilities. Since then, Kate has written several books for JKP about sexuality education and autism/intellectual disabilities. She is a researcher and public speaker; in 2016 she spoke at an All Party Parliamentary Group meeting about sex education and disability and speaks extensively with parents and caregivers.

Editorial Reviews

This very comprehensive guide takes readers through the current evidence and best practice in the field. It takes a rights based approach and offers practical strategies and guidance for those who support neurodivergent people.

Mel Gadd