10th National Scientific and Training Conference on the Occasion of World Autism Awareness Day at WSEI University

The conference gathered a wide group of experts, teachers, parents, and specialists involved in education and therapeutic support.

The event was opened by Ph.D. Zbigniew Orzeł, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences, who emphasized the importance of this initiative:

-Our conference has already become a tradition – we are meeting for the tenth time. I hope it will become a permanent part of the event cycle in Lublin, - he stressed. He also mentioned that WSEI University has a Faculty of Human Sciences, which focuses on topics related to autism and intellectual disabilities.

-This event is a continuation of the actions initiated in 2014 by WSEI University, the ‘ASDreamer’ Foundation, and Special Primary School No. 26 in Lublin. This is the tenth joint initiative of these institutions as part of World Autism Awareness Day Lublin 2025 – ‘Let’s Be Together’ -  said M.A. Ilona Hofman, Director of the Postgraduate Education Center WSEI University.

The conference was rich in specialized and practical knowledge.

Ph.D. Marta Pawelec, a lecturer from WSEI University, psychologist, and experienced diagnostician and therapist working with children with developmental disorders, delivered an introductory lecture titled "Neurotypical Children and Adolescents in the Context of Puberty, Sexuality, and Love."

The following lectures were presented by Ph.D. Izabela Fornalik, a certified clinical sexologist, CBT psychotherapist, and a member of the Board of the Polish Sexological Society. The speaker delivered two scientific and training lectures:

• "Sexuality of Students on the Autism Spectrum and with Intellectual Disabilities: Education and Therapeutic Support in the Case of Challenging Behaviors" – a lecture for teachers, discussing the specifics of students’ sexuality and methods of their education and therapeutic support.
• "My Child on the Autism Spectrum and with Intellectual Disabilities – Puberty, Sexuality, Safety: How to Provide Parental Support?" – a lecture for parents, addressing issues related to puberty, the development of sexuality, and ways to ensure safety and parental support.

Ph.D. Katarzyna Patyk-Wieczorek, President and founder of the ‘ASDreamer’ Foundation, Assistant Professor at WSEI University, and mother of a child with autism, emphasized the importance of open discussions about the sexuality of individuals on the autism spectrum and with intellectual disabilities:

-The topic of sexuality in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and with intellectual disabilities is often overlooked. It is a challenging issue but extremely important from the perspective of providing appropriate support from both specialists and parents. Misinterpretation of their sexual development can lead to feelings of misunderstanding, frustration, and, in extreme cases, even to depressive states,- said Ph.D. Katarzyna Patyk-Wieczorek.

The conference provided participants with valuable information and practical advice on supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and with intellectual disabilities in the areas of sexuality and puberty.

The event highlighted the necessity of education and open dialogue on this topic to ensure safety, proper emotional development, and dignity in the process of discovering one's identity for individuals on the autism spectrum.