F.A.C.T.S. is a 3-year project which aims at promoting autistic people’s access to information and support regarding their sexuality and gender identity through guiding professionals, raising awareness, and creating materials. This project gathers partners from different European countries and is funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.
About F.A.C.T.S
The F.A.C.T.S. (Feel, Address, Contemplate, Talk, Share) project partners advocate for informed practices amongst professionals working with autistic people regarding their sexual identity and gender. Autistic people have the right to understand and enjoy their sexuality. Our mission is to equip professionals across Europe with the necessary tools and knowledge to support people on the autism spectrum in navigating their sexual feelings, desires, and identities in a safe and inclusive environment.
Who We Are
F.A.C.T.S. partners:
- Psychosocial Organisation (Ploes), Greece – Leading the project as coordinator;
- Cooperativa Assistenza Disabili Infermi Anziani Infanzia (CADIAI), Italy;
- Centre de la Gabrielle et Ateliers du Parc de Claye, France;
- RECEBI (Biopolitics Research Center), Greece;
- Kypriaki Etaireia Pistopoiisis (CCC), Cyprus;
- Institute for Community-based Social Services Foundation (ICSS), Bulgaria;
- Prisms, Malta;
- Tukena, Finland;
- Autism-Europe, Belgium.
F.A.C.T.S Focus
The project focuses on several key areas:
1. Education and training: We aim to provide comprehensive education and training programs for professionals, equipping them with the latest research, tools, and strategies to support autistic people in understanding and expressing their sexuality and gender identity.
2. Research and development: Through collaboration with autistic people, professionals, and autism researchers, we conduct research to address gaps in understanding and develop evidence-based practices for supporting sexual well-being and health among autistic people.
3. Advocacy and awareness: We advocate for the rights and autonomy of autistic people in matters of sexuality and gender, challenging misconceptions and promoting inclusive practices within professional settings and society.
4. Community engagement: We foster dialogue and collaboration among professionals, stakeholders, and the autistic community to ensure that our initiatives respond to the needs and perspectives of those we serve.
Objectives
- Create a state-of-the-art report and develop a curriculum informed by academic and professional expertise;
- Dispel misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding autistic peoples’ sexualities and gender identities;
- Equip professionals to address sexuality and gender issues in their support for autistic people;
- Fill the gap in vocational education centres providing services to autistic beneficiaries by updating and adapting daily practices based on gender issues;
- Promote sexual well-being and health among autistic people;
- Prevent sexual harassment and bullying against autistic people;
- Challenge personal biases and prejudices among professionals to ensure fair and inclusive support for autistic people.
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in our mission to promote informed practices and support the sexual rights and autonomy of autistic people. Whether you are a professional, stakeholder, or member of the autistic community, there are many ways to get involved. You can participate in our training programs, contribute to our research efforts, or spread awareness about our initiatives. Together, we can create a more supportive environment for autistic people.
The next multiplier event takes place in Greece on 24 April. Follow us on social media for more updates (soon). For more information on how to participate please get in touch here. More ways to get involved will soon be updated on this page.
More about the Erasmus+ Programme:
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life.