Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 85
The Birth of EASE: Addressing Consent and Social Skills
Today on the Stress-Free IEP® show, host Frances Shefter sat down with Arlene Lechner and Melissa Hochberg, co-founders of EASE. EASE is a program dedicated to educating neurodiverse teens and adults about relationships, consent, and social skills. Both Arlene and Melissa are special education teachers, sexuality educators, and mental health first aid-certified professionals.
EASE was founded in response to the growing need for comprehensive, accessible, and developmentally appropriate sex education for neurodiverse individuals. Melissa shared that she first saw the need while running a social club for individuals with autism. Many members had questions about relationships but lacked the foundational knowledge about consent. Meanwhile, Arlene encountered similar challenges in her social skills classes, where students misunderstood physical boundaries, sometimes leading to disciplinary actions at school. Recognizing the gap, they developed a curriculum tailored to teaching these crucial life skills.
Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum
One of the biggest concerns from parents was that traditional sex education in schools was often inaccessible and not tailored to their children’s needs. EASE set out to change that by creating a curriculum that is comprehensive, visual, and interactive. Their approach incorporates videos, discussions, music, and hands-on activities to ensure all students, regardless of their reading ability or cognitive level, can engage with the material.
The curriculum covers topics such as consent, boundaries, advocacy, online safety, and relationships. Each class builds on previous lessons, ensuring reinforcement and comprehension. The teen program runs for 12 weeks, while the adult program extends to 16 weeks to cover more mature topics like dating and online relationships.
Teaching Methods and Class Structure
EASE classes are held online, allowing participants from across the country to join. The virtual format enables flexibility, and students can participate with or without support staff present. The program emphasizes collaboration with parents and therapists, providing weekly handouts, videos, and discussion points to ensure consistent language and reinforcement at home.
Melissa and Arlene highlighted the importance of using the same terminology across different environments. Neurodiverse individuals often struggle with generalization, so consistency in language helps them apply lessons in real-life situations.
Addressing Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Understanding oneself is a key part of the EASE curriculum. The program provides factual information about gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. However, rather than offering opinions, EASE encourages students to explore these topics with their designated safe person—whether a parent, therapist, or guardian.
By equipping students with knowledge rather than judgment, EASE ensures they have the information necessary to navigate relationships in a way that aligns with their values and beliefs.
Online Safety and Recognizing Risks
With technology playing a significant role in modern relationships, online safety is a crucial part of the curriculum. Many neurodiverse individuals are particularly vulnerable to online scams, grooming, and misinformation. EASE teaches students how to identify potential dangers, recognize scams, and understand what information should never be shared online.
Frances shared her own experience as a parent, realizing that platforms like Roblox allow strangers to communicate with children. EASE addresses these risks head-on, teaching students how to be digital detectives and verify the identity of online interactions. They also educate about the consequences of sharing explicit content and the legal implications of child pornography laws.
Resources for Parents and Professionals
EASE provides a wealth of resources to support parents, educators, and professionals in having these crucial conversations. Some of the recommended tools include:
- Books: It’s Perfectly Normal, Tell Me, The Boyfriend’s and Girlfriend’s Guide to Dating for People with Disabilities
- Websites: Sex Positive Families, Planned Parenthood, Defend Young Minds
- Apps and Safety Tools: Bark (for monitoring online activity), Take It Down (for removing inappropriate content from the internet)
These resources help families navigate difficult topics and provide accurate, age-appropriate explanations.
Upcoming Classes and How to Enroll
EASE offers classes twice a year, with upcoming sessions for both teens and adults. They also provide workshops for parents and professionals, covering topics like consent, online safety, and navigating complex conversations with neurodiverse individuals.
For those entangled in the criminal justice system due to misunderstandings about consent or online behavior, EASE also works with legal professionals to provide education and rehabilitation opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Frances wrapped up the discussion by emphasizing the importance of proactive education. Neurodiverse individuals face unique challenges in understanding social norms, but with the right resources, they can learn to navigate relationships safely and confidently.
Parents who may feel unprepared for these discussions should know that waiting is not an option—kids will learn about these topics one way or another. By engaging with trusted educators like Arlene and Melissa, families can ensure their children receive accurate, supportive, and developmentally appropriate guidance.
To learn more about EASE and enroll in upcoming classes, visit their website or reach out directly to Arlene and Melissa.
Learn more about Melissa Hochberg and Arlene Lechner:
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Stress-Free IEP®:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
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