Adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder growing up: follow-up of self-reported sexual experience

Abstract

Systematic research on sexual development in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains scant, notwithstanding the often-suggested relation between ASD, atypical, and even sexually offensive behaviours. This study compared follow-up data related to lifetime sexual experience (LTSE) in a homogeneous group of adolescent boys with ASD (n = 30), aged 16–20, with a matched group of boys in the general population (n = 60). Most boys in the ASD and control groups reported masturbation and having experienced an orgasm. The proportion of boys with ASD that had no partnered sexual experience was larger than in the control group. This difference was mostly explained by significantly fewer boys with ASD, compared with controls, who reported experience with kissing and petting; no significant differences emerged relating to more intimate partnered sexual experiences. The results suggest the existence of a subgroup of boys who have not (yet) entered the arena of partnered sexual experiences—a finding in line with research in adult samples. There were no differences relating to sexual abuse or coercion. Exploration of the partnered experiences revealed a variety of types of partners, mostly of comparable age. Several boys with ASD had not anticipated their sexual debut. Although they felt ready for it, some boys reported regret afterward. The hypothesised sexual developmental trajectories are subject to further research, but the sexual experience in this sample and the assumed developmental differences indicate the need for early, attuned, and comprehensive sexuality-related education and communication.

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Romantic Relationships in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Experience with solo and partnered sexuality and with romantic relationships is common for the majority of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (American Psychiatric Association 2013 ) without an intellectual disability (Byers and Nichols 2014 ; Byers et al 2012 ; Dewinter et al 2016 , 2015 ; Strunz et al 2017 ). Evidence for the view of sexuality as a normative part of adolescent development and adult functioning in ASD is relatively recent, and contrasts with earlier views that a majority of adolescents and adults with ASD is asexual, or that sexuality is a problematic issue for them (Bertilsdotter Rosqvist 2014 ; Dewinter et al 2013 ; Kellaher 2015 ).…”

Doświadczenia seksualne adolescentów ze spektrum zaburzeń autystycznych - badania własne

“…Powy¿sze, sugerowane oecie¿ki rozwoju psychoseksualnego, spójne s¹ tak¿e z podobnymi wnioskami z badañ dotycz¹cych dooewiadczeñ seksualnych adolescentów z ASD [Dewinter i in. 2015;Dewinter i in. 2016].…”

Sexuality in autism: hypersexual and paraphilic behavior in women and men with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

“…These studies suggest that many individuals with ASD seek sexual and romantic relationships similar to the non-ASD population 12,13 and have the entire spectrum of sexual experiences and behaviors. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] However, there are still many stereotypes and societal beliefs about individuals with ASD, referring to them as uninterested in social and romantic relationships and as being asexual. 10,19,20 Table I presents an overview of studies assessing different aspects of sexuality in young and older adults with high-functioning autism, on the basis of self-report questionnaires.…”

“…10,19,20 Table I presents an overview of studies assessing different aspects of sexuality in young and older adults with high-functioning autism, on the basis of self-report questionnaires. 11,12,15,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] We specifically focused the literature review on these studies because their methodology corresponds to the research approach used in the study presented here. The studies presented in Table I confirm that sexuality does matter in ASD individuals, and it becomes clear that the whole spectrum of sexual experiences and behaviors is represented in this group.…”

“…The studies presented in Table I confirm that sexuality does matter in ASD individuals, and it becomes clear that the whole spectrum of sexual experiences and behaviors is represented in this group. [11][12][13]15,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Most of the hitherto existing research has focused on men, and few studies have addressed gender-spe- Table I. Literature overview.…”