Understanding Consent and Social Skills: A Conversation with EASE Co-Founders

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 85 The Birth of EASE: Addressing Consent and Social Skills Today on the Stress-Free IEP® show, host Frances Shefter sat down with Arlene Lechner and Melissa Hochberg, co-founders of EASE. EASE is a program dedicated to educating neurodiverse teens and adults about relationships, consent, and social skills. Both Arlene and Melissa are special education teachers, sexuality educators, and mental health first aid-certified professionals. EASE was founded in response to the growing need for comprehensive, accessible, and developmentally appropriate sex education for neurodiverse individuals. Melissa shared that she first saw the need while running a social club for individuals with autism. Many members had questions about relationships but lacked the foundational knowledge about consent. Meanwhile, Arlene encountered similar challenges in her social skills classes, where students misunderstood physical boundaries, sometimes leading to disciplinary actions at school. Recognizing the gap, they developed a curriculum tailored to teaching these crucial life skills. Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum One of the biggest concerns from parents was that traditional sex education in schools was often inaccessible and not tailored to their children’s needs. EASE set out to change that by creating a curriculum that is comprehensive, visual, and interactive. Their approach incorporates videos, discussions, music, and hands-on activities to ensure all students, regardless of their reading ability or cognitive level, can engage with the material. The curriculum covers topics such as consent, boundaries, advocacy, online safety, and relationships. Each class builds on previous lessons, ensuring reinforcement and comprehension. The teen program runs for 12 weeks, while the adult program extends to 16 weeks to cover more mature topics like dating and online relationships. Teaching Methods and Class Structure EASE classes are held online, allowing participants from across the country to join. The virtual format enables flexibility, and students can participate with or without support staff present. The program emphasizes collaboration with parents and therapists, providing weekly handouts, videos, and discussion points to ensure consistent language and reinforcement at home. Melissa and Arlene highlighted the importance of using the same terminology across different environments. Neurodiverse individuals often struggle with generalization, so consistency in language helps them apply lessons in real-life situations. Addressing Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Understanding oneself is a key part of the EASE curriculum. The program provides factual information about gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. However, rather than offering opinions, EASE encourages students to explore these topics with their designated safe person—whether a parent, therapist, or guardian. By equipping students with knowledge rather than judgment, EASE ensures they have the information necessary to navigate relationships in a way that aligns with their values and beliefs. Online Safety and Recognizing Risks With technology playing a significant role in modern relationships, online safety is a crucial part of the curriculum. Many neurodiverse individuals are particularly vulnerable to online scams, grooming, and misinformation. EASE teaches students how to identify potential dangers, recognize scams, and understand what information should never be shared online. Read the full episode summary at https://shefterlaw.com/2025/01/understanding-consent-and-social-skills-a-conversation-with-ease-co-founders/ Learn more about Melissa Hochberg and Arlene Lechner: * Email Melissa and Arlene: [email protected] * Follow Ease Educates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ease-educates-4b685933a/ * Visit Ease Educates’ website: http://www.EaseEducate.org