Wait, You Want Me to Talk About SEX? Getting Comfortable Having Uncomfortable Conversations About Sexuality with Neurodivergent Kids, Teens, and Adults

Overview:

Very few neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults get comprehensive, evidence-based sex education that is responsive to their own learning style and needs.  This puts many at risk of sexual exploitation, unwanted pregnancies, and STD’s.  In this training, we will discuss ways to have conversations about sexual health; supporting someone’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity; and identifying, setting, and respecting sexual boundaries.

About the Presenter:

Ellen Merker, M.S. LPC, founding director of Heart Consulting LLC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma therapy for kids, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities.  She received her Master’s in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW-Madison, and has been working with neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults in various roles for 15 years. Ellen uses neurodivergent affirmative, sex-positive, and trauma-informed approaches in all work.  In addition to trauma therapy, Heart Consulting also works to reduce gendered violence against people with developmental disabilities through education and training.  Ellen also has extensive speaking experience, and has presented at conferences including Wisconsin Human Trafficking Conference, WI Planned Parenthood, National Project Search Conference, Wisconsin Reproductive Health Conference, and the Circles of Life Conference.