Parent Perceptions of Sexual Education Needs for Their Children With Autism.

Primary responsibility for sexual education for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder falls on parents who have reported a lack of professional and material support. The purpose of this study was to 1) describe parent perceptions of sexual education needs of their children aged 14-20 with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and 2) determine parent-preferred mechanisms of delivery for tailored educational intervention strategies. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study aims were accomplished by a qualitative research design using focus groups and telephone interviews assisted by a structured interview guide. Study methods and analysis were guided by social marketing principles. RESULTS: A total of 15 parents (5 participated in 1 focus group and 10 completed individual interviews) acknowledged their primary role in providing sexual education for their children and confirmed a need for resources to assist them in this role. All parents in this study found that some level of sexual education was necessary and important and that all children had been introduced to sexual information but in varying degrees. Topic preferences included those that would increase the recognition of healthy relationships, provide a measure of self-protection, and ameliorate undesirable consequences of sexual activity. Parents were knowledgeable about how their children best learned and suggested future interventions use technology interfaces with engaging displays and allow for individualized content. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings highlight a need for additional research and enhanced clinical services to ensure that adolescents with autism spectrum disorder have their informational needs met, are able to avoid risks, and have the greatest capacity for a healthy sexuality as they transition to adulthood.

Concept Analysis of Responsible Sexual Behavior in Adult Women.

The concept of responsible sexual behavior is not clearly defined as it applies to adult women who have sex with men. Responsible sexual behavior is a socially desirable and deliberate pattern of behaviors used to promote sexual health, manage risk, and foster respect for sexual partners within the context of community influences. A purposeful redefinition may be necessary to maintain a concept that is useful and effective for evaluating sexual behavior.

Collegiate Women's Definitions of Responsible Sexual Behavior.

Promoting responsible sexual behavior (RSB) is a public health strategy to decrease unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Current definitions of RSB in the literature have been developed by providers and policy makers; little is known about adult women's perspectives. Interventions inconsistent with women's definitions of RSB may be less effective; therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand how a sample of college women defined RSB. Data was collected from interviews as part of a mixed methods study of college women and unintended pregnancy. Women defined beingsexually responsible as self-advocating through actions that are consistent with personal goals and values while being aware of consequences that could threaten those goals or values. Actions included mindful partner selection, communicating boundaries, and preventing pregnancy. Study findings were consistent with prior research that identified managing risk and purposeful decision making as crucial to acting responsibly.

The N Termini of TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43 (TDP43) C-Terminal Fragments Influence Degradation, Aggregation Propensity, and Morphology.

Fragments of the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) are major components of intracellular aggregates associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. A variety of C-terminal fragments (CTFs) exist, with distinct N termini; however, little is known regarding their differences in metabolism and aggregation dynamics. Previously, we found that specific CTFs accumulate in the absence of the Arg/N-end rule pathway of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and that their degradation requires arginyl-tRNA protein transferase 1 (ATE1). Here, we examined two specific CTFs of TDP43 (TDP43219 and TDP43247), which are ∼85% identical and differ at their N termini by 28 amino acids. We found that TDP43247 is degraded primarily by the Arg/N-end rule pathway, whereas degradation of TDP43219 continues in the absence of ATE1. These fragments also differ in their aggregation propensities and form morphologically distinct aggregates. This work reveals that the N termini of otherwise similar CTFs have profound effects on fragment behavior and may influence clinical outcomes in neurodegeneration associated with aggregation.