ON THE SPECTRUM: Tell tale Signs of Sexual Abuse with Dr. Lydia Sit

Hosted by Terry Matthews on On the Spectrum, this crucial discussion features Dr. Lydia Sit from the Philadelphia Mental Health Center as she addresses the heightened vulnerability of individuals with autism to sexual victimization. Dr. Sit breaks down why abuse frequently goes unreported in the neurodiverse community, citing communication barriers, social norms, and a lack of tailored sexual education. Shifting the prevention framework from "strangers" to recognizing boundary crossings by familiar individuals, she highlights both physical and behavioral red flags, such as regression, sudden changes in stimming, or hyper-vigilance, especially in nonverbal individuals. The episode outlines immediate steps for parents and caregivers facing disclosure, emphasizing emotional stability, trauma-informed therapy modalities, and concrete reporting resources through Child Advocacy Centers and hotlines.