Podcasts

October 23, 2025

Episode 24 – Sexuality and Dating on the Autism Spectrum

This episode features Dr. Blake Warner, Postdoctoral Fellow at the UCLA Tarjan Center and Chief Clinical Fellow at the PEERS® Clinic. Dr. Warner’s work focuses on advocacy, inclusion, and supporting equality for neurodiverse people, including those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLATarjan Center, talks with Dr. Warner about the common myths surrounding sexuality on the autism spectrum.

Together, they discuss:

  • Why open conversations about dating and sexuality matter for autistic people
  • Common myths about autism and relationships —and why they’re not true
  • How sex and relationship education can promoteconfidence and safety
  • Barriers that can make dating difficult forautistic individuals
  • Ways to build healthy, respectful relationships
  • Resources and programs that provide helpfulsupport

Listen now to hear Dr. Warner share why everyone deserves to learn about relationships and have the chance to build healthy, happy connections.

Tarjan Center

In Other Words

The UCLA Tarjan Center’s podcast features Q&A-style discussions with speakers from our Distinguished Lecture Series. Hosted by Kecia Weller, Senior Disability Rights Advocate, and Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate, the podcast aims to make this content more accessible to our community. The lecture series is designed to expand awareness of emerging research and interventions, highlight disparities impacting underserved populations, and explore how public policies and practices influence the inclusion and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.