Autism and BDSM: Exploring Intersections of Innate Neurodivergence and Kink

This workshop will focus on intersections of autistic, LGBTQ, and kink identities, and explore how common BDSM practices align with healthy sexual expression for many autistic individuals. Participants will learn how BDSM can provide a sense of liberation from neurotypical norms as well as heteronormative expectations of gender and sexual expression. By challenging medical model and pathology paradigms, participants will learn how to support autistic clients from a sex-positive and neurodiversity-affirming perspective.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss intersections of autistic, LGBTQ, and kink identities.
• Describe how pathology models perpetuate the marginalization of neurocognitive
  and sexual minorities.
• Describe three examples of how BDSM practices align with Autistic characteristics in
  regards to sensory perception, communication, and attentional styles.
• Explain two ways that BDSM promotes a safe environment for Autistic unmasking

Speaker Bio: Jenn Sevier, LPC, LCPC (she/they) is an Autistic and ADHD therapist specializing in areas of neurodivergence, gender, and sexuality. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Maryland (2009), with clinical experience serving clients in forensic, community mental health, inpatient, and crisis response settings. A member of Kink Aware Professionals, her clinical approaches are grounded in anti-oppression frameworks affirmative of queer identities, kink, polyamory, and consensually non-monogamous relationship structures. Currently in full-time private practice, she is the owner of Authentic Therapy Services, LLC – a mental health practice offering online counseling services tailored to the needs of Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ clients in Pennsylvania and Maryland.