1
|
Crehan ET, Yang X, Dufresne S, Barstein J, Stephens L, Dekker L, Greaves-Lord K. Adapting the Tackling Teenage Training Sex Education Program for Autistic Adults in the US: A Pilot Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2108-2123. [PMID: 37046158 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the established need for sexuality and relationship programming for autistic adults, there are extremely limited curricula for this population. This pilot study used an evidence-based sexuality and relationship education program for autistic adolescents (Tackling Teenage Training) as the basis for an adult-focused virtual psychoeducational group. Qualitative feedback, quantitative ratings of the programming, and behavioral surveys from participants were collected. Nine participants completed the program, and corresponding pre and post measures. Highly rated topics, for example gender identity and online dating, were consistent with previous research on what autistic adults want from a sexuality and relationship education program. Future programming should incorporate increased attention to themes and topics highlighted by participants, and should utilize the teaching tools (e.g., role play, peer discussions) identified as useful by the participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xihan Yang
- Tufts University, 105 College Ave, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | | | | | | | - Linda Dekker
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology Unit, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang X, Dekker L, Greaves-Lord K, Crehan ET. Psychometric Properties of Psychosexual Functioning Survey Among Autistic and Non-autistic Adults: Adapting the Self-Report Teen Transition Inventory to the U.S. Context. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06170-9. [PMID: 37934395 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychosexual functioning is an important aspect of human development and relationships. A previous study investigated psychosexual functioning of autistic adolescents using the Teen Transition Inventory (TTI), but there is a lack of comprehensive measurement of psychosexual functioning among autistic and non-autistic (NA) adults. To address this gap, the current study adapted the self-report TTI to the Psychosexual Functioning Survey (PSFS) and presented it to 131 autistic (n = 59) and NA adults (n = 72) in the U.S. Comparisons of psychometric properties between the original TTI and the PSFS are shared; the developmental relevancy among some items was changed, and the alphas indicated a difference in the content of certain scales. Differences emerged between autistic and NA adults in both the intra- and interpersonal domains of psychosexual functioning, but not in sexual and intimate behaviors. The findings suggest the persistence of differences from adolescence to adulthood between autistic and NA people and highlight the importance of understanding the unique experiences of adults in psychosexual functioning relative to diagnostic status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xihan Yang
- Tufts University, 105 College Ave, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
| | - Linda Dekker
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology Unit, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute Groningen, Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kohn BH, Vidal P, Chiao R, Pantalone DW, Faja S. Sexual Knowledge, Experiences, and Pragmatic Language in Adults With and Without Autism: Implications for Sex Education. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3770-3786. [PMID: 35922688 PMCID: PMC9362056 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05659-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Autistic adults have similar levels of desire for sexual and romantic relationships as their non-autistic peers. However, autistic adults are less likely to be in relationships and have less dating experience. We compared sexual knowledge, experiences, and pragmatic language ability in a community sample of young adults with (n = 27, mean age = 22.11) and without autism (n = 122, mean age = 19.47). Receipt of sex education and sexual knowledge did not differ between groups. However, autistic adults had significantly fewer partnered experiences and impaired pragmatic language. Within both groups, pragmatic skill predicted accurate sexual knowledge above and beyond general communication abilities. Findings suggest that sex education for autistic adults must address the social communication component of healthy romantic and sexual relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke H Kohn
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paige Vidal
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachael Chiao
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David W Pantalone
- University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Faja
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Young S, Cocallis K. A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Neurodiversity and Psychosexual Functioning in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:1379-1395. [PMID: 37287894 PMCID: PMC10243356 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s319980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The scientific literature on psychosexual functioning shows a range of outcomes for individuals with neurodiversity. The aim of this article was to synthesize and critically evaluate evidence regarding psychosexual selfhood (orientation), behaviors and experiences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to prioritize further research and identify interventions to reduce risk. A systematic review of the literature that compared sexual orientation, behavior and experiences of individuals with ASD or ADHD with those of neurotypical peers was performed in AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Child Development and Adolescent Studies databases (supplemented by hand-searching of reference lists). Seventeen ASD and nineteen ADHD studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies reviewed suggest poorer psychosexual functioning for individuals with ASD or ADHD compared to neurotypical peers, including a lack of satisfaction in their sexual relationships, sexual dysfunction, risky sexual behaviors, and victimization. This appears to be more marked for females. Individuals with ASD were more likely to identify with a non-heterosexual orientation compared with neurotypical peers. The study identifies gaps in our knowledge relating to risky sexual behaviors (in particular, those relating to sexual health and vulnerability to sexual victimization and perpetration). The public health implications of the findings are discussed. Future research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders may be at increased risk of adverse psychosexual outcomes and identify interventions that may mediate outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Young
- Psychology Services Limited, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Kelly Cocallis
- Health Psychology, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northumberland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dekker LP, van der Vegt EJM, Louwerse A, Visser K, van der Ende J, Maras A, Verhulst FC, Greaves-Lord K. Complementing or Congruent? Desired Characteristics in a Friend and Romantic Partner in Autistic versus Typically Developing Male Adolescents. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1153-1167. [PMID: 36241943 PMCID: PMC10102130 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Ideal friend and romantic partner characteristics related to self-perceived characteristics have been investigated in typically developing (TD) individuals, but not in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Considering the autistic symptoms and challenges, investigating these concepts in autistic individuals is relevant. Given the lack of consensus, identity-first ("autistic person") and person-first ("person with autism") language are mixed throughout, to cover all preferences. This study explored (1) the association between self-perceived characteristics and desires in a friend/romantic partner, as well as (2) compare two groups (ASD and TD) in their desires for a friend/romantic partner. Two matched groups (ASD and TD) of 38 male adolescents (age 14-19 years) reported on the desire for nine characteristics (i.e., funny, popular, nice, cool, smart, trustworthy, good looking, similar interests, and being rich) in a friend/partner, and to what extent they felt they themselves possessed seven characteristics (i.e., funny, popular, nice, cool, smart, trustworthy, and good looking). Results showed both groups sought a friend and partner similar to themselves on intrinsic characteristics (e.g., trustworthiness), but less similar on extrinsic and social status characteristics (e.g., being less cool and popular). Particularly intrinsic characteristics, more than extrinsic and social status characteristics, were valued in both partners and friends, regardless of group. No significant differences were found between groups concerning to what extent characteristics were desired. Overall, adolescents with ASD desire similar characteristics as TD adolescents in their potential romantic partners and friends. There is some indication that the match between self-perception and desired characteristics is different.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda P Dekker
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, Room T13-24, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Anneke Louwerse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Visser
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Youz Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Team Sarr Autism Expertise Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Athanasios Maras
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands of Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Crehan ET, Rocha J, Sclar J, Ward O, Donaghue A. Topics and timing of sexuality and relationship education for autistic and non-autistic adults in the United States. Disabil Health J 2023:101466. [PMID: 37062650 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexuality and relationship education is a learning area that historically has been overlooked, especially for autistic individuals. To inform future programming, we are in need of evidence-based reasoning to guide program design, such as what to cover and when. In particular, the social aspects of sexuality and relationship education, which are less commonly addressed, need further scrutiny. OBJECTIVE To identify sexuality and relationship education priorities and timelines based on feedback from autistic and non-autistic adults. METHODS An online anonymous survey of adults in the United States posed questions about sexuality and relationship education, sexual and relationship experiences, and autistic traits. RESULTS Comparisons by diagnostic group (autistic and non-autistic) revealed no significant differences in the timing of sexual experiences. Autistic individuals were significantly more likely to indicate that they wanted to learn more about gender identity, sexual orientation, consent, and assertiveness than non-autistic peers. However, the majority of all participants across diagnostic groups wanted more information across all surveyed topics. CONCLUSIONS Lack of differences in timing of sexuality-related experiences highlights the importance of beginning sexuality and relationship education early for all learners. Important diagnostic group differences highlight critical areas of development for sexuality and relationship education programming. The importance of incorporating needs of autistic learners into program design is highlighted for future work. Overall findings support the idea that more sexuality and relationship education across the lifespan would best meet the learning needs of all people.
Collapse
|
7
|
A Model of Psychosexual Wellbeing for Autistic and Neurotypical Adults in the United States. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-022-09764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
|
8
|
Xia X, Wang X, Wang Y. Leisure Satisfaction, Personality, and Psychosexual Adjustment Among College Students: A Latent Profile Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:895411. [PMID: 35664215 PMCID: PMC9161023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.895411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the factors influencing sexual health have been explored by researchers, the impact of leisure and personality on psychosexual adjustment and the interaction of these two factors remain unknown. This study investigated the relationship between leisure satisfaction and psychosexual adjustment based on the compensation theory and the social learning theory. The differences in psychosexual adjustment across different personality types were also explored. Finally, we examined the interaction between personality and leisure satisfaction based on the personal-environment fit models. The participants in this study were 1,161 college students. The results supported all the hypotheses proposed. There was a significant positive correlation between leisure satisfaction and psychosexual adjustment. Participants of four personality types (the overcontrolled, high-moderate, low-moderate, and resilient groups) had different performance in psychosexual adjustment. The resilient group had the highest scores, while the overcontrolled group had the lowest scores. The results suggest that there is an interaction between personality and leisure satisfaction. Our research could enrich the research contents of leisure and personality and provide a practical basis for the improvement of college students in psychosexual adjustment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaotian Wang
- Department of Psychology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Akrami L, Malekpour M, Faramarzi S, Abedi A. Effect of training program on sexual knowledge and social skills of adolescents with high-functioning autism in puberty. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-07-2020-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. Puberty is an important period for teenagers with ASD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of educational program on increasing social skills (SS) and sexual knowledge (SK) in adolescent boys with high-functioning autism (HFA) disorder.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted using a single-subject design. Participants were three boys diagnosed with HFA disorder, selected using purposive sampling. The social skills improvement system scale and the sexual knowledge questionnaire were used to measure SS and SK. The training program consisted of 49 sessions.
Findings
Results showed that, given the comparison of scores before and after the intervention, the training program was effective in improving SS and SK.
Originality/value
With regard to the importance of puberty, training programs for parents and adolescents play an effective role in increasing SS and SK of adolescents with HFA disorder.
Collapse
|
10
|
Joyal CC, Carpentier J, McKinnon S, Normand CL, Poulin MH. Sexual Knowledge, Desires, and Experience of Adolescents and Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:685256. [PMID: 34177667 PMCID: PMC8219850 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.685256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most persons with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) wish to have romantic and/or sexual relationships, little is known about self-report sexuality of adolescents/young adults with ASD. In this exploratory study, 172 male and female adolescents/young adults (68 with ASD and 104 without ASD) completed an online version of the Sexual Behavior Scale-Third edition. Although many more similarities than differences were observed between the groups for views and desires about romantic relationships (e.g., wishing to have a girlfriend/boyfriend), fewer participants with ASD (mostly boys) had experience with a variety of sexual/dyadic behaviors, and approximately half of girls with ASD reported negative sexual experiences. Significantly higher rates of participants with ASD felt their knowledge about sexuality was limited and found it difficult to understand sexual education compared with typically developing (TD) participants. Significantly lower rates of participants with ASD reported that they identify to their assigned gender compared with TD participants. Multiple regressions revealed that being older at first diagnosis and possessing better knowledge about sexuality were significant predictors of both positive and negative sexual experience. This study explores strengths and challenges related with the sexual health of adolescents/young adults with ASD and implications for clinical and educational practice are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian C. Joyal
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Carpentier
- Department of Psychoeducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Suzie McKinnon
- Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (IUHSSC) of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, IUHSSC Bas-Saint-Laurent and IUHSSC Côte-Nord, Saguenay, QC, Canada
- Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Institute, IUHSSC of Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Claude L. Normand
- Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Institute, IUHSSC of Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Poulin
- Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Institute, IUHSSC of Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Complexities of Sexual Health Among Adolescents Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-020-09651-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
12
|
Dekker LP, Visser K, van der Vegt EJM, Maras A, van der Ende J, Tick NT, Verhulst FC, Greaves-Lord K. Insight into Informant Discrepancies Regarding Psychosexual Functioning of Adolescents with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2020; 30:487-501. [PMID: 31802571 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The private nature of psychosexual functioning leads adolescents and their parents to have different perspectives, which highlights studying parent-child informant discrepancies in this domain. We investigated informant discrepancy in psychosexual functioning, using the self-report and parent report versions of the Teen Transition Inventory (TTI), of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; 136 parent-child dyads) compared to adolescents from the general population (GP; 70 parent-child dyads). Significantly larger informant discrepancies exist in ASD dyads than GP dyads in most domains of psychosexual functioning, except for Body image, Sexual behavior, and Confidence in the future. It is important to use and pay attention to both informants, as discrepancies are relevant for both research and clinical practice regarding psychosexual functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsten Visser
- Erasmus MC-Sophia
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health
- Youz Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Team Sarr Autism Expertise Centre
| | | | | | | | - Nouchka T Tick
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health
- University Utrecht
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sedgewick F, Leppanen J, Tchanturia K. The Friendship Questionnaire, autism, and gender differences: a study revisited. Mol Autism 2019; 10:40. [PMID: 31798817 PMCID: PMC6883660 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Friendship Questionnaire (FQ) is a widely used measure of friendships in autism research and beyond. This study sought to revisit the original paper where the measure was presented, using a larger sample of both autistic and non-autistic participants to examine gender differences in scoring. It also sought to expand upon the original paper by comparing FQ results to those of the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale (URCS), to examine whether there are differences in how autistic people report on their general friendships in contrast to their most significant relationships. Methods Participants were recruited for an online study, and 949 people (532 autistic, 417 non-autistic) aged between 18 and 81 took part. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Autism Quotient-28, the Friendship Questionnaire, and the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale. Results We used robust regressions and Pearson's correlational analyses, conducted in R. Autistic people scored lower than non-autistic people on the FQ, and similar gender differences in the pattern of FQ scores were seen in both groups. There was a significant negative correlation between AQ and FQ scores in both groups. On the URCS, we took the data from those who rated specific close relationships and found that autistic people scored this relationship more highly than non-autistic adults did. There was a significant negative correlation between AQ and URCS scores in both groups. Also, in both groups, there was a significant positive correlation between FQ and URCS scores. Limitations The data is entirely self-report, and diagnoses could not be verified with a clinician, although AQ scores support self-identification as autistic. Also, the groups were not evenly matched on age and other demographic variables, although this was controlled for in analyses. It is also the case that more autistic than non-autistic people were unable to specify a close relationship to score on the URCS, meaning that a certain set of experiences are not represented in this data. Conclusions We conclude that our data replicates the core finding of the original FQ paper that autistic people score lower on the FQ. In contrast to that paper, however, we found that there were gender differences among the autistic population. Also, our inclusion of the URCS suggests that the intimate romantic relationships and best-friendships of autistic people can be of similar quality to those of non-autistic people, suggesting that there may be important differences in autistic people's relations with friends in general versus close friends and romantic partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenni Leppanen
- Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Kate Tchanturia
- Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust National Eating Disorder Service, London, UK
- Psychology Department, Illia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
A Qualitative Comparison of Caregiver and Youth with Autism Perceptions of Sexuality and Relationship Experiences. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2019; 40:12-19. [PMID: 30444737 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caregivers play a critical role in educating their youth with autism about sex and relationships; yet, we know little about caregivers' ability to deliver this support, youth's perspectives, or the congruence of youth and caregiver experiences. To help fill this gap, we explored and compared the perspectives of caregivers and their youth with autism spectrum disorder about and interactions regarding sex and relationships. METHODS We conducted qualitative one-on-one interviews with youth (n = 27) and focus groups with their caregivers (n = 29). A semi-structured guide elicited information from both the groups about the youth's physical, emotional, and social transition to adulthood. Thematic analysis, including coding and analytical memos, identified key themes within and across youth and caregiver discussions about sex and relationships. RESULTS Thematic analysis of interviews revealed overarching themes about companionship, interest and experience, and access to sexual information across both the groups. Themes included different nuances among caregivers and youth, however. Caregivers expressed more future-oriented concerns than youth and overestimated their knowledge of their youth's interest and experience with sex and comfort confiding in caregivers. Youth described relationships and information sources of which their caregivers were unaware. CONCLUSION Interventions for both caregivers and youth can support healthy and safe intimate relationships among youth with autism spectrum disorder. By comparing youth and caregiver dialogues, this study adds to what we know, and it can be used to develop a blueprint for improving communication patterns that not only include but also extend well beyond sexual health.
Collapse
|
16
|
Schöttle D, Briken P, Tüscher O, Turner D. Sexuality in autism: hypersexual and paraphilic behavior in women and men with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2018. [PMID: 29398933 PMCID: PMC5789215 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2017.19.4/dschoettle] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Like nonaffected adults, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) show the entire range of sexual behaviors. However, due to the core symptoms of the disorder spectrum, including deficits in social skills, sensory hypo- and hypersensitivities, and repetitive behaviors, some ASD individuals might develop quantitatively above-average or nonnormative sexual behaviors and interests. After reviewing the relevant literature on sexuality in high-functioning ASD individuals, we present novel findings on the frequency of normal sexual behaviors and those about the assessment of hypersexual and paraphilic fantasies and behaviors in ASD individuals from our own study. Individuals with ASD seem to have more hypersexual and paraphilic fantasies and behaviors than general-population studies suggest. However, this inconsistency is mainly driven by the observations for male participants with ASD. This could be due to the fact that women with ASD are usually more socially adapted and show less ASD symptomatology. The peculiarities in sexual behaviors in ASD patients should be considered both for sexual education and in therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schöttle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Turner
- Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The combination of the core symptoms, characterizing individuals with autism-spectrum disorder (ASD), can lead to problems in romantic relationships and sexual functioning. The purpose of this article is to review studies on sexuality in individuals with ASD published since January 2016. RECENT FINDINGS Individuals with ASD and especially women show a higher diversity in sexual orientation in comparison with the non-ASD population. Furthermore, ASD women are more frequently in a relationship and usually report more previous sexual experiences. Up to now, sexual education programs specifically addressing the needs of the ASD population were scarce, which was criticized by patients, their parents, and caregivers. With the development of the Tackling Teenage Training program, a psychoeducational intervention designed specifically for ASD individuals was introduced, leading to significant improvements in psychosexual functioning and knowledge. Such programs are needed because a considerable rate of problematic sexual behaviors, including public masturbation and paraphilic sexual interests were found in the ASD population. SUMMARY Just like their typically developing counterparts, individuals with ASD show the whole range of normal-to-problematic sexual behaviors. Improving sexual knowledge could lead to less inappropriate sexual behaviors and could improve sexual health as part of a healthy and satisfying life.
Collapse
|