Recommendations for education, clinical practice, research, and policy on promoting well-being in autistic youth and adults through a positive focus on sexuality and gender diversity

Added on 29/07/2024

Type de contenu

Journal article of the type Report ( ; english)

Jeroen Dewinter , Morénike Giwa Onaiwu * , Maria Massolo , Reid Caplan * , Els Van Beneden * , Nikki Brörmann , Eileen Crehan , Lisa Croen , Susan Faja , Dena Gassner * , Laura Graham Holmes , Cat Hughes * , Morrigan Hunter * , Monique Huysamen , Paola Jelonche , Meng-Chuan Lai , Ilse Noens , Heta Pukki * , Mark Stokes , John Strang , Anna van der Miesen
Recommendations for education, clinical practice, research, and policy on promoting well-being in autistic youth and adults through a positive focus on sexuality and gender diversity published in the journal "Autism" n°28, vol.3, 10 pages , doi: 10.1177/13623613231188349

*Seven co-authors had publicly identified as autistic. [Learn more about this mention]

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Summary/Presentation

This short report presents recommendations to promote health and well-being relating to sexuality and gender diversity in autistic individuals. The recommendations were developed based on the latest available scientific knowledge coupled with a community-driven approach. An international group of autistic and non-autistic experts in the fields of autism, sexuality, and gender diversity and autistic advocates worked together to develop the initial recommendations; these recommendations were subsequently checked within the wider community through an online survey. Out of the original 11 recommendations, eight were rated above a consensus threshold. The final recommendations cover three themes: (1) providing education and information on sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity to autistic individuals and their families; (2) improving expertise in and accessibility to healthcare for sexuality, relationships, and gender-related questions, with specific attention to prevention of and support after sexual victimization; and (3) meaningful inclusion of the autism community in future research that addresses well-being related to sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity. The recommendations emphasize the need for additional awareness and offer cues to parents, professionals, and policymakers to promote sexual health and well-being of autistic individuals. 

For your information:

(1) References in blue are resources listed on our site.

(2) Authors listed in this bibliography whose names are in color have published other resources referenced on the site. Clicking on the name allows you to see the list of resources they have published and shared on the site.

(3) Authors whose names are followed by an asterisk have publicly disclosed being autistic.

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  • S. Strunz, C. Schermuck, S. Ballerstein, C. Ahlers, I. Dziobek, S. Roepke (2017). "Romantic Relationships and Relationship Satisfaction Among Adults With Asperger Syndrome and High‐Functioning Autism". J Clin Psychol, 73(1). doi:10.1002/jclp.22319

  • K. Visser, K. Greaves-Lord, N. Tick, F. Verhulst, A. Maras, E. van der Vegt (2015). "Study protocol: a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a psychosexual training program for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder". BMC Psychiatry, 15(1). doi:10.1186/s12888-015-0586-7

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