Safe to Connect: Dating and Relationship Development

Safe to Connect is a 10-week class designed to support neurodiverse teens and young adults in building healthy, respectful relationships. The curriculum covers key topics like recognizing relationship stages, setting personal boundaries, identifying red and green flags, self-advocacy in dating, and navigating interest and rejection safely. Through group discussions, structured activities, and real-life examples, participants gain confidence, social awareness, and practical tools for forming meaningful connections.

*A formal diagnosis is not required to participate in this course. The information provided is valuable for all teens and young adults, offering insights and skills that can benefit everyone.

What You’ll Learn: Sample Lessons

Week 1

You First: Understanding Yourself in Relationships Identity, neurodiversity, personal values, and building self-awareness to identify what you want in relationships

Week 2

Relationships 101: Types, Timelines, and Expectations Friendship vs. dating, healthy pacing, realistic expectations and expanding relationship/dating vocabulary

Week 3

Boundaries: Knowing and Respecting Limits Defining personal boundaries and understanding that others have them too, learning about types of boundaries such as physical, emotional, digital, and time. Direct instruction on how to set and maintain relationship boundaries.

Week 4

Reading the Room: Flirting and Assessing Interest Identifying nonverbal signs of interest (Body language, eye contact, tone), developing a better understanding of the signs of interest/disinterest, and flirting dos and don’ts

Week 5

Relationship Red Flags and Green Flags Recognizing and idefining healthy interactions, introduction to the power and control wheel, equality wheel and healthy love.

Week 6

Work & Romance – Relationships in the Workplace Dating at work, appropriate behavior, HR policies, disclosing disability, and professionalism in workplace relationships

The Spectrum of Intimacy: Communication, Consent & Connection

The Spectrum of Intimacy: Communication, Consent & Connection is a 10-week virtual course is designed for neurodiverse young adults and focuses on building intimacy, communication, and self-advocacy skills. Through interactive discussions and activities, students will explore topics such as sexual health, relationship safety, consent, digital intimacy, and contraception. The course empowers students to navigate relationships, set boundaries, and advocate for their needs in a supportive online environment. By the end, participants will be better equipped with the tools to foster healthy, respectful intimate relationships.

*Given the sensitive topics covered in this course, we recommend it for participants aged 18 and older. A formal diagnosis is not required to participate in this course. The information provided is valuable for all adults, offering insights and skills that can benefit everyone.

What You’ll Learn: Module Sample Lessons

Module 1

Introduction to Intimacy: This session focuses on creating a comfortable environment for students, assessing their baseline knowledge, and exploring their preferred learning styles. We also introduce key intimacy vocabulary to build a strong foundation for the course.

Module 2

External Anatomy: Explore virtual diagrams of male and female anatomy using accurate biological terminology while learning about their functions. The session will also introduce common slang terms used by peers and discuss their meanings.

Module 3

Reproductive Health: Learn about reproductive anatomy and healthy practices, featuring a blend of slides and videos. Students will have the opportunity to explore reputable online resources (e.g., CDC, Planned Parenthood) for a deeper understanding.

Module 4

Exams and Hygiene: Understand what to expect during medical exams, such as pelvic exams, and learn how to maintain effective hygiene routines for both male and female anatomy. Students will participate in role-play activities to practice self-advocacy during doctor's appointments and exams.

Module 5

Sensory Needs & Self Advocacy: Explore how sensory sensitivities can affect intimacy and the importance of advocating for personal needs. The lesson includes links to helpful guides on managing sensory needs in relationships and intimacy.

Module 6

Sexual Responses and Partnered Sex: Explore the stages of sexual arousal and the crucial role of mutual consent in intimacy. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on their comfort levels and share their thoughts on sexual intimacy in a safe, supportive environment. We also provide research-based resources on physiological responses for students to explore further

Say hello to your instructor

Jasmin brings over 15 years of experience supporting neurodiverse individuals from early childhood to adulthood. With a Bachelor’s in Health Science and Psychology from the University of Miami and a Master’s in Profound and Complex Learning Disabilities from the University of Manchester, she’s taught and presented internationally and has held leadership roles in specialized education. As a PEERS® Certified Instructor and Certified Autism Specialist, Jasmin is passionate about empowering young adults through strengths-based, real-world social learning.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • These courses are designed with neurodiverse learners in mind. We use visual supports, clear examples, repetition, and role-playing to reinforce key ideas. Every activity and discussion includes multiple ways to engage whether that’s through writing, speaking, or observing and sensory-friendly tools and social scripts are offered to support all types of communicators.

  • These courses create a safe, respectful environment where students can ask questions, build confidence, and explore complex topics like relationships and intimacy at their own pace. Instructors use supportive language, scaffolded learning, and consistent routines to reduce anxiety and increase understanding.

  • These subjects are introduced using clear, age-appropriate language and visual supports. We emphasize mutual agreement, ongoing communication, and personal boundaries. All discussions are grounded in respect, safety, and student choice.

  • That’s completely okay! Many students start out quietly. We honor each person’s comfort level and offer multiple ways to engage like private chat, reaction tools, and small breakout groups. Participation is encouraged but never required.

  • While the course (The Spectrum of Intimacy: Communication, Consent & Connection) prioritizes privacy and self-advocacy for students, optional check-ins and general resources are available to families who want to support learning at home. We encourage open dialogue outside of class.

  • Students will need a device with internet access, a webcam, and a microphone. Classes are held on a secure video platform (Google Meet). Login information and digital materials will be provided in advance.