Supporting Comprehensive Sexual Health for Persons on the Autism Spectrum

• In Event: 590 - Regular Session. Health and Well-Being

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of autism over the last 20 years has led to a growing demand for sexuality education that meets the needs of this under-served population. Unfortunately, these efforts largely occur in the absence of research documenting the first-hand experiences and perspectives of persons on the autism spectrum. This paper addresses this lacuna, using data from in-depth, Internet facilitated interviews with 24 adults on the autism spectrum. Three key findings are presented: distinctive features of sexuality for adults on the autism spectrum, common concerns, and shared strategies for achieving desired outcomes. Participants were less likely to be heterosexual and/or gender conforming than the general population. They were also more likely to experience romantic and sexual debut in their 20’s rather than teens. Participants two greatest concerns were courtship and sensory disregulation in the context of partnered sexuality. Participants negotiated these challenges through strategies such as using sensory barriers, planning sex in advance, negotiating alternatives to dominant abled sexual scripts, and practicing explicit and intentional communication. The implications of these findings for comprehensive sexuality education are discussed.

Author

• Jessica Penwell Barnett, University of Windsor