Supporting Nonspeakers' Access to Sex as an ADL: An Occupational Perspective

While all beings are inherently sexual beings, nonspeakers are regularly ignored from comprehensive support due to systemic bias.  This presentation will explore sex as an occupation; motor, sensory, and regulation considerations for intimacy and connection; sexual orientation and the gender spectrum; and reproductive justice.  Throughout the session, actionable steps will be suggested to maximize client occupational engagement and satisfaction with sex, intimacy, and more.

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

• utilize a comprehensive occupational framework and assessment tool for sex as an ADL
• identify unique considerations in supporting the sexual rights of nonspeaking clients
• identify motor, sensory, and regulation considerations for occupational engagement
• list reproductive health and gender-informed considerations in the nonspeaking population

Our Presenter:

Sarah Selvaggi Hernandez (she/they) owns Living Sensory Occupational Therapy LLC, the creator behind The Autistic OT, coauthor of Melt Like Ice Cream, and Forever Fangirl of the Spelleverse.  In 2017, Sarah also crashed on political shores with the Women's Wave to become the first Autistic person elected to government in the United States, ever.  Sarah has over two decades of professional experience in supporting authentic development and engagement across the lifespan.  Sarah currently serves as the PAIMI Advisory Council Chair and on the Board of Directors for Disability Rights CT.  She regularly presents on the power of occupation and its reciprocal relationship with our health.  Sarah is an unrelenting advocate for neurodiversity, radical inclusion, and #STOPTHESHOCK.  She graduated from Bay Path University in 2014.