Amy Gravino

Amy Gravino, M.A., is a prominent voice in the fields of autism advocacy and human sexuality. Gravino's advocacy began following her diagnosis with Asperger's syndrome—now classified as Autism Level 1—at a time when girls were significantly less likely to receive an autism diagnosis than boys, highlighting a diagnostic bias in the field of psychology.

Gravino holds a degree in applied behavior analysis and has focused her career on advancing understanding of sexuality within the autism community. She serves as an autism sexuality advocate and relationship coach at the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University and is president of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which provides autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services. Her graduate thesis applied ABA principles to teach adult males with Asperger's syndrome dating skills, demonstrating her commitment to translating academic research into practical support for autistic individuals.

As an international speaker, Gravino has delivered TED talks, addressed the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented globally on topics including neurodiversity, bullying prevention, empowerment, and the transition of autistic individuals to higher education. She has delivered opening remarks for the Congressional Briefing at the Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum/Day on the Hill at the U.S. Capitol Building. Gravino has been interviewed for TIME Magazine and has contributed to Spectrum, Reader's Digest, special education textbooks, and other publications.

Gravino developed a sex education curriculum for individuals on the autism spectrum that incorporates autistic communication styles, aiming to help individuals achieve their goals related to sexuality. Her work focuses on dismantling stigma surrounding autistic sexuality, advocating for autistic-led education, and promoting institutional changes that support dignity, safety, and autonomy. She is authoring a memoir, "The Naughty Autie," which explores her experiences with relationships as a woman on the autism spectrum.

Gravino is a founding member of the Autism Speaks Emerging Leaders Initiative and has received the Rutgers University Presidential Employee Excellence Award and Marblejam's annual Global Autism Advocacy Award. Her writing and public speaking continue to influence the conversation at the intersection of autism and sexuality.