Background: Research on the intimate relationships and sexuality of adults with ASD is limited. Few studies have directly assessing the behaviors of high-functioning adults with ASD (Ousley & Mesibov, 1991, Henault & Attwood, 2005). As the population of individuals with autism ages, we need to add to our knowledge of the romantic and sexual interests and experiences of adults with autism in order to better address their needs.
Objectives: Goal of the study was to describe the current and past relationship status and sexual experiences of 50 adults with high functioning ASD, to determine their sexual knowledge, romantic and sexual interest, and finally to compare the findings with the results of a previous self-report study conducted by Ousley & Mesibov (1991).
Methods: Individuals with documented diagnoses of high-functioning ASD were recruited through clinics that served individuals with ASD and their families. The participants were asked about their previous engagement and current interest in romantic activities including dating, holding hands, hugging, kissing and sexual intercourse with members of both sexes. Finally, the participants were asked to define terms related to sexual anatomy and behavior. The data collection is just being completed.
Preliminary Results: The 50 participants included 31 males and 11 females. Forty-one subjects were single, 7 were divorced and 3 were married (one was divorced and remarried). Eleven participants were currently dating or married. Seventy-four of the subjects have dated at some time in their life. Forty-four percent have engaged in sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite sex at some time in their life. Four men reported engaging in sexual intercourse with both women and men. Analysis of the relationship between the desire to engage in sexual activities and actual sexual experience and knowledge has not yet been completed.
Sixty percent of the participants were definitely interested in dating members of the opposite sex and another 30% were a little interested in dating. Sixty-two percent were definitely interested in having sexual intercourse with a person of the opposite sex and an additional 16% had a little interest. The majority of males and females had no interest in dating (78%) or sexual activity (86%) with a partner of the same sex.
Conclusions: Preliminary conclusions indicate that the majority of adults with ASD express an interest in romantic and sexual interactions with members of the opposite sex, but are not successful in their efforts. Less than half of the participants have been sexually active at anytime in their life, and most reported that this activity occurred when they were in college or a young adult. While many of these individuals have dated or have been married at some time in their life currently only 11 were actually in a relationship and of these at least 4 of the relationships do not involve sexual intimacy. Interventions need to focus on how to develop romantic relationships as well as developing coping skills for individuals who are not getting their needs met.
See more of: Clinical Phenotype
See more of: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Phenotype