256687 Understanding and Preventing Stalking Behaviors by Individuals with Autism

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Linda Haymes, PhD , Graduate School of Education, Touro University, Vallejo, CA
Keith Storey, PhD , Graduate School of Education, Touro University, Vallejo, CA
  
Individuals with autism may have trouble reading social cues and understanding the viewpoint of others, as well as combing fixations and obsessive compulsive behaviors. In addition, because individuals with autism have problems with Theory of Mind, they may engage in inappropriate romantic and/or sexual behavior (sometimes identified as intimacy seekers or incompetent suitors in the stalking literature) and have charges of stalking brought against them. Though the prevalence of stalking behaviors among individuals with autism is not known, it could be increasing as individuals are increasingly served in inclusive school and work settings. The purpose of the presentation is to provide an overview of stalking behavior in school and employment settings for individuals with autism and to suggest possible intervention strategies. The co-presenters will provide strategies that research has found to be effective for supporting successful participation in schools and workplace settings for persons with autism. A non-technical, easy to implement format will be used by the presenters. This proposal will further the skills or knowledge of conference participants by providing examples that have been empirically verified.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health

Learning Objectives:
The learner objectives are: 1. Participants will be able to describe different types of positive behavior support strategies to address and possibly prevent stalking behaviors by individuals with autism. 2. Participants will be able to discuss why individuals with autism may engage in inappropriate romantic and/or sexual behavior. 3. Participants will differentiate the best practices for addressing stalking behavior in the school and workplace settings.

Keywords: Disability Studies, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been involved in the education and treatment of people with autism for over 25 years. I have been a clinician and researcher in positive behavior supports (PBS)related to people with autism. This presentation focuses on PBS for people with autism spectrum disorders. My scientific interests have all been related to ASD education and treatment of behavioral issues.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 2069.0: Disability Section Poster Session 2