By: Sarah LaFerriere, M.Ed.
Transition Specialist & Special Educator, NESCA
Sexual health education is often overlooked when it comes to students with disabilities—but it’s one of the most important subjects we can offer. In my last blog post, “Why Sexual Education is Crucial,” I explored the reasons why this kind of instruction is essential for adolescents and young adults with learning, developmental, and emotional challenges.
Today, I want to take that conversation further by sharing what sexual health instruction looks like in practice and how NESCA is helping students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to navigate relationships and their own well-being.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Sexual health education isn’t “one-size-fits-all,” especially for students with disabilities. Many of the individuals I work with have had limited or no access to comprehensive sexual health instruction. Some have received fragmented or confusing messages about consent, safety, or their own bodies. Others are at a developmental stage where typical school-based programming doesn’t match their learning profile.
At NESCA, our goal is to meet each student exactly where they are intellectually, socially, and emotionally. That’s why our sexual health instruction is individualized, paced appropriately, and rooted in respect and inclusion.
Using the Elevatus Curriculum
At NESCA, we use the Elevatus curriculum, a nationally respected sexual health education program designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. The curriculum offers two levels of instruction:
- One for students with moderate support needs
- Another for students with high support needs
This allows us to tailor content to the cognitive and communication levels of each learner. The curriculum emphasizes concrete language, repetition, and visual supports, making it accessible and meaningful for a wide range of students.
Instruction is available in-person or virtually, and we can modify both format and pacing to fit your student’s specific needs. Whether your child thrives in one-on-one sessions or small groups, we’ll work with you to design a program that supports learning and comfort.
What the Curriculum Covers
The Elevatus curriculum spans 22 lessons and includes topics such as:
- Anatomy and puberty
- Consent and personal boundaries
- Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
- Online safety and media literacy
- Understanding feelings and attraction
- Decision-making and communication
Lessons are engaging and interactive, using visuals, stories, discussions, and role-play activities. We also incorporate functional goals, like understanding personal space on public transportation or recognizing signs of coercion in online messages.
Collaborating with Families and Schools
Sexual health instruction doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it works best when it’s integrated into a student’s broader learning and transition planning. At NESCA, we collaborate with families, educators, and support staff to align lessons with IEP goals, social-emotional supports, and the student’s overall educational plan.
We also guide families on how to reinforce learning at home, answer questions in developmentally appropriate ways, and create an open, respectful dialogue.
Why It Matters
At the core of sexual health education is empowerment. When students understand their bodies, their rights, and their choices, they’re safer, more confident, and more connected to others. This kind of instruction isn’t just about preventing risk it’s about promoting dignity, autonomy, and well-being.
If you’re interested in learning more about our sexual health instruction services, or want to explore whether it’s a fit for your child or student, please reach out to us here at NESCA via our Inquiry/Intake Form and visit our page about our Sexual Health Education Services.
About the Author
Sarah LaFerriere, M.Ed., is a transition specialist and special educator who has nearly a decade of experience working with transition aged students in public schools, college, and home-based settings. She provides transition assessment, consultation, and coaching services to a wide range of clients, and specializes in supporting students with autism, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and medical conditions.
To book a consultation with Sarah LaFerriere or one of our many other expert transition specialists, neuropsychologists, or other clinicians, complete NESCA’s online intake form.
NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Brooklyn, New York (coaching services only) serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.
