On June 18th, Felicity House hosted an “Autism & Relationships” event, bringing together members, guests, and the larger community for an in-person conversation that explored social and romantic connections. Featuring autism sexuality advocate Amy Gravino and clinical psychologist Dr. Ali DeGeorge, the evening provided a space to explore the nuances of building strong social relationships, understanding personal boundaries, and navigating the social world with confidence.

Amy Gravino’s presentation focused on the internal work of relationships, helping members determine what is truly important to them as individuals. She provided actionable steps for identifying one’s needs in a friendship or partnership and navigated the process of disclosing a diagnosis to someone new. Amy also shared insights on recognizing relationship “red flags” and “green flags,” to ensure personal boundaries are respected.

Dr. Alexandra DeGeorge shared her expertise on managing the anxieties associated with social relationships. She provided practical communication strategies for making new connections, offering guidance on how to approach someone new, even when they seem quiet or focused on an activity. Additionally, Dr. DeGeorge addressed the importance of social energy management, sharing strategies for members to “fill their social bucket” and help prevent burnout. 

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A where members got to ask more personalized questions for the speakers to respond to in real time. 

If you were unable to attend, a video recording of the event can be found below:

SPEAKER BIOS

Amy Gravino

Amy Gravino is an autism sexuality advocate, professional speaker, and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. 

Amy is the President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting. She has given TED talks, spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented worldwide to audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on the subject of autism and sexuality.

Amy has consulted with the producers of Love On the Spectrum (Netflix) and contributed to a Call to Action for sex education for youth with disabilities. She is also a writer who is authoring her first book, a memoir, and whose work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, Reader’s Digest, and other outlets.

Dr. Alexandra DeGeorge

Alexandra DeGeorge is a clinical psychologist and maintains a private practice in Montclair, NJ. 

Prior to this, Dr. DeGeorge has held faculty positions at the NY Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Developing Brain and the NYU Child Study Center, where she was the Clinical Director of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Program.

Dr. DeGeorge has expertise in diagnostic assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorders as well as cognitive behavioral interventions for individuals with anxiety and mood disorders. She ran an adolescent DBT program for several years and incorporates emotion regulation strategies into her work. 

Dr. DeGeorge received her B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University and M.Ed. in Learning Cognition, and Development at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. She completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Disabilities at Long Island University, CW Post Campus.