Building Healthy Relationships: Navigating Adolescence & Sexual Behaviour for Neurodiverse Teens

Adolescence is a time of discovery, independence, and new relationships. For neurodiverse teens, navigating dating, friendships, and sexual behaviours can feel confusing without clear, accessible guidance. This seminar, delivered by psychologists in schools across Sydney, provides a safe, affirming space for teens to learn about consent, respectful communication, boundaries, and healthy relationships. Students gain the knowledge and strategies they need to make safe choices, respect themselves and others, and build confidence in navigating this stage of life.

Benefits

Understand consent and clear communication
Recognise non-verbal cues and social boundaries
Learn how to express interest respectfully and handle rejection
Develop confidence in planning and going on dates
Understand healthy vs. unhealthy relationship behaviours
Explore safe and appropriate online and social media use
Build strategies for managing emotions, boundaries, and conflict

Structure

Format: One-day interactive seminar
Duration: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Facilitation: Delivered by psychologists with expertise in adolescent development and neurodiversity
Delivery: In schools or clinics, using group discussions, role-plays, and practical activities tailored to student needs

Topics Included

Consent & Communication: How to ask, give, and respect consent
Non-Verbal Cues: Understanding body language and signals
Dating Skills: Expressing interest, planning dates, and navigating boundaries
Respectful Relationships: Healthy vs. unhealthy behaviours, handling rejection, and setting personal boundaries
Online Safety: Social media use, oversharing, sexting, and consequences
Sexualised Behaviours: What’s appropriate in different contexts (home, school, public)

Participation Requirements

Age Range: Secondary students (Years 8–12)
Suitable for: Neurodiverse teens seeking guidance in relationships, sexuality, and social development
Commitment: Attendance for the full one-day seminar
Parent/Carer Involvement: Optional parent information session to support continued conversations at home
Delivery Options: Clinic-based groups or school-based workshops

Why It Matters

Building healthy relationships is essential for every teen—but for neurodiverse young people, the skills of consent, boundaries, and respectful communication often need to be taught explicitly. Without this guidance, students can feel unprepared for real-world situations or at risk of misunderstanding social cues. This seminar empowers teens to approach relationships with confidence, safety, and respect—supporting their wellbeing and independence as they grow.