Puberty and Relationships 101: A Guide to Growing Up for High Functioning Adolescent Males with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: Sexuality education for males with high functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is critical, yet it has not received the attention in the literature that is warranted. These adolescents face unique issues regarding sexuality due to the nature of the disorder. To date there has not been an empirical attempt to address these issues with a group-based educational approach developed specifically for this population. Development and evaluation of a psycho-educational curriculum will enable professionals to best understand how to teach this population about their developing sexuality.

Objectives: To design and evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-educational curriculum designed to: (a) increase adolescents’ and parents’ comfort levels discussing sexuality (b) help adolescents and parents achieve two goals predetermined before group (c) decrease parental concerns and increase acceptance of their son’s sexuality (d) increase adolescents’ understanding of their developing sexuality (e) decrease adolescents’ stress levels for issues regarding growing up

Methods: Curriculum development was based on current literature on sexuality development in ASDs and the authors’ clinical outcome data. Seven adolescent males and their parents were recruited; adolescents attended eight group sessions. Measures included adolescent self-report, parent-report and parent self-report during pre-group and post-group. Parents and adolescents created two goals each for the adolescent to achieve by the end of the group sessions.

Results: Data analysis is currently ongoing. Preliminary results demonstrate parents’ comfort levels discussing their son’s developing sexuality increased as well the adolescents’ comfort level discussing sexuality. Adolescents’ desire to be part of the group increased. Additionally parents and adolescents progressed toward their goals.

Conclusions: Findings from this first sexuality group are promising for addressing the concerns of both the adolescents and parents about the adolescents’ emerging sexuality. Continued implementation and evaluation of the group curriculum will make clear the effectiveness of the curriculum and what revisions are needed.