Romantic relationships, sexuality, and autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Romantic relationships and sexual behaviors among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complicated matters and involve many personal issues including emotions, values, attitudes, and beliefs-all of which can change constantly in response to interactions, experiences, and education (Sexuality and Disability 18:125-135, 2000). Further, other issues, such as living conditions (e.g., independent vs. residential), extent of symptom severity, and level of communication and socialization may also play a role in relationships and sexuality (Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 5:614-621, 2011). In regard to education and general knowledge, sex education materials and instruction for individuals with autism differ greatly from those provided for typically developing students, with individuals with disabilities receiving far lower levels of support in this area. While almost all parents of individuals with disabilities favor comprehensive sex education for their adolescent/adult children, very few individuals with disabilities receive any type of formal sex education (Sexuality and Disability, 18:125-135, 2000), and furthermore, most teachers do not feel confident in their ability to provide sex education to students with ASD (Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 4(3):433-437, 2010). Logically, then, without education and the communicative skills to gain social support from and interact with peers, individuals with ASD may have more difficulties with relationships and sexuality. The literature also suggests that they demonstrate more challenges with a wide variety of sexuality-related issues, including their bodily changes during puberty, privacy rules and customs, and masturbation. Further, adolescents and adults with ASD have far fewer sexual experiences than their typically developing peers, despite their expressed sexual interest (Sexuality and Disability 28:93-104, 2010). Despite these issues and concerns, there is a paucity of research, literature, and education relating to romance and sexuality in individuals with ASDs, and while the desire for intimate and sexual relationships may be similar to individuals without ASDs, attitudes and practice in this population appear to differ. This chapter will discuss issues related to romance and sexuality in individuals with ASDs.