Navigating Relationships: From Friendships to Romance

This podcast is a collaboration with Otero County Advocates for Developmental Disabilities to provide direct supports to their local community. Jayme Swalby, our facilitator leads an informative conversation with panelists Thea Kavanaugh, Certified Health Education Specialist; Natalie “Nan” Kossar, Special Education Teacher; Michael Swalby, Self-Advocate; and Laurel Deans, Self-Advocate at the New Mexico DDPC Planning Council. Their discussion focuses on the need for understanding and appreciating the differences between friendships and romantic relationships. We are reminded that we are all sexual beings; it is normal to have thoughts, feelings and desires. Listen to this profound discussion on the importance of providing safe opportunities to respectfully and properly model communication about mutual trust, intimacy, boundaries and expectations with your loved ones with autism.