Characterising the Sexuality and Sexual Experiences of Autistic Females

Current understandings of the sexuality of autistic females have been predominantly drawn from qualitative studies. This study aimed to quantitatively examine the sexual functioning of autistic females ( N  = 135), by comparing these to the sexual interest, behaviours, and experiences to 96 autistic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2019-12, Vol.49 (12), p.4834-4846
Main Authors: Pecora, Laura A., Hancock, Grace I., Mesibov, Gary B., Stokes, Mark A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abuse
Adult
Autism
Autistic adults
Autistic Disorder - psychology
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Child and School Psychology
Comparative Analysis
Crime Victims
Demographic aspects
Female
Females
Gays & lesbians
Gender Differences
Humans
Interpersonal Relationship
Male
Neurosciences
Original Paper
Pediatrics
Psychological Patterns
Psychology
Public Health
Risk
Sex (Psychology)
Sex Factors
Sexual Abuse
Sexual behavior
Sexual functioning
Sexual messages
Sexuality
Sexuality - psychology
Victimization
Victims
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Summary:Current understandings of the sexuality of autistic females have been predominantly drawn from qualitative studies. This study aimed to quantitatively examine the sexual functioning of autistic females ( N  = 135), by comparing these to the sexual interest, behaviours, and experiences to 96 autistic males and 161 typically developing females. Autistic females reported less sexual interest, yet more experiences than autistic males. More autistic females also reported engaging in sexual behaviours that were later regretted, unwanted, or receiving unwanted sexual advances. Differences between autistic and typically developing females were significant. Results indicate that due to a mismatch between less sexual interest, yet increased sexual behaviours, autistic women are at greater risk of negative sexual experiences including victimisation and abuse than autistic men.
ISSN:0162-3257
1573-3432
DOI:10.1007/s10803-019-04204-9