The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality and the Law: What every parent and professional needs to know

Ever go "down a rabbit hole" on the Internet? Discover a porn site you weren't expecting? If you are a parent of a child with autism approaching puberty, you MUST read this book! If your ASD youngster is an adolescent or young adult, please read it TODAY!!Because people with disabilities like autism are often socially isolated, they rely on the Internet to research their questions and curiosities. This means they are sometimes exposed to websites which might be dangerous or illegal.Forget prudery. Forget embarrassment. Children with disabilities grow up into sexual adolescents and young adults. Parents MUST communicate with them clearly -- and frequently -- about the Internet, our laws, their bodies and sexual relationships. Parents MUST help their ASD youngsters develop the skills they need to avoid the tragedy of unwittingly ending up in a criminal justice system which is not equipped to deal knowledgeably and compassionately with them. This book can help.Bravo to Dr. Nick Dubin, an individual with Asperger Syndrome, for bravely sharing his humiliating story to help other families avoid the terrifying uncertainty and expense he and his parents endured for 2 1/2 years. The advice given by Larry Dubin, Nick's father, about how to deal with law enforcement if a person with ASD should be arrested, is INVALUABLE. Chapters by autism expert Tony Attwood and psychologist Isabelle Henault about sexual issues for people on the autism spectrum are informative and easy to understand. There is some repetition towards the end of the book, but it doesn't diminish Dr. Dubin's powerful story.

Well written, informative, and insightful.

This is the second book by Dr. Nick Dubin that I have read. It is an important book about a subject that may prove too sensitive for some. But to avoid it would be a mistake, especially by anyone who knows someone with autism. Apparently, the circumstances that Dr. Dubin found himself is not uncommon. And who better than someone who directly experienced these stories to tell them. It must have taken a great deal of courage to write this book. Like the other book I read by Dr. Dubin concerning depression it is well written and very informative. Recommended.

This book is a real eye opener. Educating autistic adolescents and young adults about this topic and navigating it safely is something that is very important. Because the topic of sex, sexuality, and the laws associated with them are so stigmatized and so taboo, this can put a lot of ASD people at risk of the unpredictable. Whether you are a parent, another autistic person, a self advocate, an agency professional, a teacher, or a para professional, this is a must read.Nick Dublin's story is while really scary but also very empowering. His experiences with going through the criminal justice system and the traumatizing experiences he went through brings a huge wake up call for everyone on the spectrum. It's time that we bust the taboos and myths on the topic and I absolute command Nick and his parents for speaking up about their experiences and telling their story.

This is a beautifully written and vitally important book, covering the taboo subject of sexuality and autism. In fact I would say that it should be required reading for anyone dealing with people with disabilities of any kind. As a society we want to ignore the sexual needs and curiosity of the disabled, leaving so many people feeling ashamed and alone. Nick Dubin is fearless in his honesty and deserves accolades for bringing his own painful plight to light. His parents also have opened their hearts, in spite of what must have been a wrenching experience, in order to bring understanding and compassion to this subject. It is heartbreaking to think of all the people who are caught in the trap of injustice without recourse to proper help. Highly recommended!

This book is a definite necessity for all mental health professionals, parents of autistic children, teachers, lawyers, and those on the autistic spectrum, etc.,so that they have a complete understanding of the autistic spectrum, sexuality and the law. As a retired therapist, mom and grandma, I was very surprised what I did NOT learn in my years of college and raising children. After reading this heartfelt book, I highly recommend that ALL parents, in addition to those with autistic children, also read the book. It was enlightening for me and I guarantee it will be for you. A very brilliant book.I couldn't put it down until I finished it!

As we see more and more individuals and families dealing with this spectrum, we as a society, must increase our knowledge and understanding of the specific ways it impacts perceptions, behaviors, and communities, and develop more and more resources to support these individuals and families. This book is an amazing, courageous, informative, inspiring contribution toward that goal! Reading this book will assist the layperson, teachers, the legal system, law enforcement and mental health professionals gain vital understanding about how an individual can be highly intelligent and highly functional while lacking skills for nuanced social and personal interaction.Bravo to all who participated in co-creating this IMPORTANT book!Marcia Ferstenfeld, MA, LLP.

I love this book. The author has to enhance my knowledge of having a child with autism.

Suspend your judgement and read Nick Dubin's heartbreaking story; you won't find this content in any parenting workshop yet it is probably one of the most important texts you will ever read as an autism parent, carer or if you work with people who are on the spectrum. It shows how impaired "Theory of Mind" and executive functioning skills make Autism and sexuality an absolute minefield and you owe it to your kid on the spectrum to familiarise yourself with this AND to talk to them about it. However hard you find that. The subject matter is really tough going and written from an American perspective but please don't let that put you off if you're not American, it's still relevant. Hats off to Nick Dubin's parents and how lucky is he to come from an affluent family that supported him unreservedly.

Great

This is a book that everyone should read. Nick Dubin was very brave to have revealed such intimate details of his life but in doing so he will have helped so many people.

I would have liked to see Mr Dubin as first author as he wrote the Lion's share of the book - but of course I don't know how the order was decided.Other people and professionals will benefit from Mr Dubin's terrible experience. I work with people who have been involved with the criminal justice system and his story is a common one, unfortunately

Excellent book, well written with clear information - a must read for all who care for those with Autism.