Sexuality and Gender Issues in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This article reviews relevant literature on sexuality in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Findings reveal a growing awareness of desire for sexual and intimate relationships in individuals with ASD. However, core impairments of ASD lead to difficulties establishing requisite knowledge and skills necessary to attain a healthy sexuality and facilitate relationships. Consequently, individuals with ASD present with increased risk of engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviors and sexual victimization than their typically developing peers. The literature asserts the need to implement effective sexual education programs to assist in development of healthy sexual identity and relationships that meet each individual's needs.
['Pecora|Laura A|LA|', 'Hooley|Merrilyn|M|', 'Sperry|Laurie|L|', 'Mesibov|Gary B|GB|', 'Stokes|Mark A|MA|']
D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder D006801:Humans D007398:Interpersonal Relations D010379:Peer Group D012725:Sexual Behavior D019529:Sexuality
Sexuality Gender Autism Autism spectrum disorder Relationships Sexual functioning Sexual orientation Transgender