SEX EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS OF DIFFERENT RACES IN UKRAINE AND PROSPECTS FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The provisions of the scientific article provide the basic ideas of sexual education for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The purpose of the article is to analyze the theoretical aspects of sexual education for children and adolescents with ASD, as well as to identify the main principles for the practical construction of this system in Ukraine. The specifics of the problem, its relevance in today’s humanitarian science and education are outlined, and the principles for developing such a program for Ukrainian adolescents are proposed. The research methods are comparability, analysis, systematization, comparison, which allowed analyzing foreign experience, highlighting key aspects and systematizing the results of the study. The difficulties that children with ASD face in the process of sociosexual development in comparison with normotypical peers are outlined. The specifics of sexuality, problems in the process of puberty of children and adolescents with ASD, as well as the gender aspect of the problem are noted. The psychological and social factors of interpersonal violence of people with autism spectrum disorders that can be committed against them are indicated. The results of the study revealed insufficient development of the topic of sexual advice for people with ASD, which can lead to their social isolation, loneliness, lack of experience of romantic relationships, victimization. It is emphasized that sexual education should include not only a biophysiological understanding of sexuality, but also social knowledge about the norms of confidentiality, intentions, consent, and setting boundaries. Three important positions in the development of education are formulated: support; studying the «rules» of the neurotypical world; increasing the self-esteem of people with ASD. Therefore, for the development and realization of their sexuality, children and adolescents with ASD need effective sexual education in accordance with age and cognitive abilities, which should focus on socially acceptable forms of behavior and manifestation of their own sexuality. Prospects for further research include the development and implementation of sexual education for children and adolescents with ASD at the general education level, with the mandatory involvement of parents, speakers, psychologists, and sexual and sexual literacy trainers.