For many years it was wrongly assumed that people with autism were not interested in sexual or romantic relationships, but this is not the case. In recent years, small studies have suggested that people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) are more likely to experience a greater diversity of sexual orientations and are less likely to have sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the existing evidence has been limited in size and scope.
In the largest study to date on these topics, the results of which are published in the journal Autism Research, the University of Cambridge Autism Research Center team used an anonymous self-report survey to study sexual activity, sexual orientation and sexual health of adults with autism. In total, 1,183 autistic and 1,203 non-autistic adolescents and adults (ages 16 to 90) provided information on their sexual activity, sexual orientation, and STI medical history.
The results showed that most autistic adults (70% of autistic men and 76% of autistic women) engage in sexual activity, although to a lesser degree than their nonautistic peers (89% of both non-autistic men and women report engaging in sexual activity). In contrast to previous findings, the results also found that there was no difference in the likelihood of contracting an STI, or the age at which participants first became sexually active, between autistic and non-autistic individuals.
Adults and adolescents with autism are about 8 times more likely to identify as asexual and “other” sexuality than their nonautistic peers
Additionally, the study found that autistic adults and adolescents are approximately eight times more likely to identify as asexual and “other” sexuality (LGBTQ+) than their non-autistic peers. And there were sex differences in sexual orientation: autistic men are 3.5 times more likely to identify as bisexual than non-autistic men, while autistic women are three times more likely to identify as homosexual than autistic women.
When directly comparing autistic women and men, autistic women were more likely to be sexually active; are more likely to identify as asexual, bisexual, and “other” sexuality; and they were less likely to identify as heterosexual.
Key to providing appropriate sex education to people with autism
Elizabeth Weir, PhD candidate at the Center for Autism Research in Cambridge and lead researcher on the study, said: “Understanding the intersectional identities of autistic people who are asexual, bisexual, homosexual or ‘other sexuality’ is key. It is particularly important that health care providers and educators use language that affirms and accepts all sexual orientations and gender identities when providing sex education and sexual health screenings to autistic and non-autistic individuals alike.”
Dr. Carrie Allison, Director of Strategy at the Center for Autism Research and a member of the team, said: “We must ensure that people with autism receive equal access to healthcare and decision support in their personal lives, to enjoy fulfilling lives and good mental health.”
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Center for Autism Research and a member of the team, said: “This new study is an important example of applied health research with policy relevance to health and social care services.” And it is that, the findings have important implications for the medical care and support of people with ASD.
Source: University of Cambridge
.
