Parents Perception About Sexual Education for Adolescence With Autism

Abstract

This study aims to determine the perception of parents about sexual education given to adolescence with autism. This research is descriptive research with qualitative approach. The subjects of this study were three parents of autistic children who showed a sexual behavior disorder. Data collection using questionnaire and interview method. The results of this study indicate that parents consider adolescence with autism to have sexual development such as adolescents in general despite having a different speed. Parents have the view that sexual education is important for autistic children who start entering adolescence to prevent possible sexual development disorders in autistic children. However, parents do not have sufficient knowledge about it, thus having difficulties in providing reproductive health education.

Challenges of sex education for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder from the Saudi family’s perspective

“…This result is consistent with the study by Holmes et al (2019) which indicated information about sex education is presented within a limited framework. This finding also aligned with findings by Chamidah and Jannah (2017), which found some parents of adolescents with ASD were knowledgeable regarding sexual development, growth, and sex education.…”

“…Parents are the foundation for preparing children with ASD to face these changes and developments (Pryde and Jahoda, 2018;Daghustani and MacKenzie, 2022). Therefore, it is crucial for parents of teenagers with ASD to understand the significance of puberty and be knowledgeable of the changes that occur in their child's sexual development, as well as the difficulties and sexual challenges that may ensue (Chamidah and Jannah, 2017). Parents should learn effective methods and strategies to teach adolescents the concept of sexual functions.…”

“…Most parents of adolescents with ASD believe that sexuality begins when they reach adolescence, although it begins in early childhood (Chamidah and Jannah, 2017). Research has indicated parents tend to discuss topics related to sex within a very limited and restrictive framework, such as personal hygiene and the privacy of their own places only (Gkogkos et al, 2019;André et al, 2020;Holmes et al, 2021).…”

“…Parents are the basis for preparing their children with ASD to face these changes and developments that occur in adolescence, and without good preparation, adolescents with ASD will feel confused and stressed during this period of their life (Pryde and Jahoda, 2018). In this sense, it is important for parents of adolescents with ASD to understand the importance of knowledge regarding the developments and changes that occur in their adolescent child's sexual development and the resulting difficulties and challenges that exist (Chamidah and Jannah, 2017). Sex and reproductive health education is one of the most difficult topics that parents of teens with ASD have to teach their children, because they do not have sufficient information and knowledge regarding matters related to sexual development (André et al, 2020;Gergelya and Rusu, 2021).…”

“…Sex and reproductive health education is one of the most difficult topics that parents of teens with ASD have to teach their children, because they do not have sufficient information and knowledge regarding matters related to sexual development (André et al, 2020;Gergelya and Rusu, 2021). Parents may realize the importance of sex education, but face difficulties and challenges that lie in not knowing how to teach their children or the appropriate method to use (Chamidah and Jannah, 2017). The failure by parents to use effective methods and strategies for adolescents on the concept of their sexuality could generate the emergence of many inappropriate sexual behaviors in the society in which they live (Masoudi et al, 2021).…”