The University of Toledo
Center for Excellence in Autism
Grand Opening Ceremonies!
June 9-10, 2011
Adolescent Girl’s and
Women’s Wellness Initiative
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
Program Objectives
1. Advance the identification and scientific exploration of
the gynecological status of girls and women with ASD.
2. Positively influence the medical, behavioral and social
aspects of daily functioning for girls and women with
ASD.
3. Normalize the integration of gynecological wellness as a
necessary component of comprehensive healthcare for
females with ASD.
4. Effectively deliver a variety of professional education
opportunities that will help to enhance and standardize
the quality of care for females with ASD.
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
Why a specialized program?
• The number of adolescent girls and women identified with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is growing and very
little research exists to guide diagnosis or treatment
planning.
• Without an evidence-based framework for focusing
resources and efforts we cannot reasonably expect that
the services being provided today will support a rich
quality of life in the future.
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
“Nothing in life is to
be feared.
It is only to be
understood.”
- Marie Curie
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
Core concepts of our programming include…
 Development of a positive self-concept with the confidence
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to engage in meaningful activities in the community.
Facilitating the development of social competence.
Building self-advocacy skills.
Responsible sexuality education that is developmentally
appropriate.
Identification of a responsible continuum of medical care
services across the lifespan.
Fostering growth of adaptive behaviors that build autonomy
and independence.
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
Comprehensive Supports
The University of Toledo
Center for Excellence in Autism
SHINE Plan
Sexual Health Inventory
and Education Plan
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
What is the SHINE Plan ?
The SHINE Plan is a unique document specifically for
adolescent girls and women with ASD. Over time the
SHINE plan becomes a personal record of medical care,
individual strengths and challenges, goals for the future
and a record of progress. The SHINE Plan represents the
first of its kind nationally and a significant contribution to
the development of appropriate services for adolescent
girls and women with ASD.
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
Elements of the SHINE Plan
• Physical health
• Adaptive/self-help skills
• Communication skills
• Cognitive and mental health
• Social and emotional well-being
• Sexual abuse prevention
• Self-regulating and self-monitoring behaviors
• Individual outcomes and evaluation
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
The Research Agenda
 Validation of diagnostic criteria and functional profiles
that are gender appropriate.
 Identification of hormone levels and corresponding
behavior changes across the menstrual cycle.
 Identification of best practices and standards for care
regarding sexuality education and gynecological wellness
across the lifespan.
 Development of a scientific understanding of the needs of
women with ASD as they mature.
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
Won’t You Help Us?
For more information regarding research
opportunities at
The University of Toledo
Center for Excellence in Autism
Adolescent Girl’s and Women’s
Wellness Initiative
sherry.moyer@utoledo.edu
419-383-3030
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes
For More Information:
The University of Toledo
Center for Excellence in Autism
3000 Arlington Avenue, MS 1161
Toledo Ohio 43614
419-383-3030
autisminfo@utoledo.edu
From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes