Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Characterising the Sexuality and Sexual Experiences of Autistic Females

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

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.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Attwood, T. (2007). The complete guide to asperger syndrome. London: Jessica Kinglsey Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Attwood, T. (2009). Romantic relationships for young adults with asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. Retrieved July 1, 2018, from http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/articles/relationships.

  • Attwood, T. (2013). Girls and women who have Asperger’s syndrome. Retrieved July 1, 2018, from http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/index.php/about-aspergers/girls-and-women-who-have-aspergers.

  • Ballan, M. S., & Freyer, M. B. (2017). Autism spectrum disorder, adolescence, and sexuality educaTION: Suggested interventions for mental health professionals. Sexuality and Disability,35(2), 261–273. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-017-9477-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The autism spectrum quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Basile, K. C., Chen, J., Black, M. C., & Saltzman, L. E. (2007). Prevalence and characteristics of sexual violence victimization among U.S. adults, 2001–2003. Violence and Victims,22(4), 437–448. https://doi.org/10.1891/088667007781553955.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown-Lavoie, S. M., Viecili, M. A., & Weiss, J. A. (2014). Sexual knowledge and victimisation in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,44(9), 2185–2196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bush, H. H. (2016). Self-reported sexuality among women with and without autism spectrum disorder (doctoral dissertation). Boston: University of Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Byers, E. S., & Nichols, S. (2014). Sexual satisfaction of high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder. Sexuality and Disability.,32(3), 365–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Byers, E. S., Nichols, S., & Voyer, S. D. (2013a). Challenging stereotypes: sexual functioning of single adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,43, 2617–2627. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1813-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Byers, E. S., Nichols, S., Voyer, S. D., & Reilly, G. (2013b). Sexual well-being of a community sample of high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum who have been in a romantic relationship. Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice, 17(4), 418–433. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361311431950.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra, A., Mosher, W.D., Copen, C., & Sionean, C. (2011). Sexual behavior, sexual attraction, and sexual identity in the United States: Data from the 2006–2008 National Survey of Family Growth (Report No. 36) Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

  • Cridland, E. K., Jones, S. C., Caputi, P., & Magee, C. A. (2014). Being a girl in a boys’ world: Investigating the experiences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,44, 1261–1274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1985-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dewinter, J., Vermeiren, I., Vanwesenbeeck, J., Lobbestael, C., & Van Nieuwenhuizen, (2015). Sexuality in adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder: Self-reported behaviours and attitudes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,45, 731–741. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2226-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, M. H., Moskowitz, A. L., & Hodapp, R. M. (2013). Differences in social vulnerability among individuals with autism spectrum disorder, williams syndrome and down syndrome. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders,7(8), 931–937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2013.04.009.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gammicchia, C., & Johnson, C. (2014). Autism: Information for domestic violence and sexual assault counsellors. Maryland: Autism Society.

    Google Scholar 

  • George, R. (2018). Sexual orientation in autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research,11(1), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1892.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • George, R., & Stokes, M. A. (2016). Gender is not my Agenda!—Gender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder. In L. Mazzone & B. Vitiello (Eds.), Psychiatric comorbidities in autism spectrum disorders. London: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • George, R., & Stokes, M. A. (2018). Gender identity and sexual orienation in autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 22(8), 970–982. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361317714587.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ginevra, M. C., Nota, L., & Stokes, M. A. (2016). The differential effects of Autism and Down’s syndrome on sexual behaviour. Autism Research,9(1), 131–140. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1504.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gökengin, D., Yamazhan, T., Ozkaya, D., Aytuğ, S., Ertem, E., Arda, B., et al. (2003). Sexual knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors of students in Turkey. Journal of School Health,73(7), 258–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gougeon, N. A. (2010). Sexuality and autism: A critical review of selected literature using a social-relational model of disability. American Journal of Sexuality Education,5(4), 328–361. https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2010.527237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halladay, A. K., Bishop, S., Constantino, J. N., Daniels, D. M., Koenig, K., Palmer, K., et al. (2015). Sex and gender differences in autism spectrum disorder: Summarizing evidence gaps and identifying emerging areas of priority. Molecular Autism,6(36), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-015-0019-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hancock, G. I. (2018). Socio-sexual functioning n autism spectrum disorder (Doctoral dissertation). Burwood: Deakin University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haracopos, D., & Pederson, L. (1992). Sexuality and autism: Danish report. United Kingdom: Society for the Autistically Handicapped. Retrieved July 23, 2018, from http://www.autismuk.com/?page_id=1293.

  • Harrison, M. A., Hughes, S. M., Burch, R. L., & Gallup, G. G. (2008). The impact of prior heterosexual experiences on homosexuality in women. Evolutionary Psychology,6(2), 316–327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hénault, I., & Attwood, T. (2006). The sexual profile of adults with Asperger’s syndrome: The need for support and intervention. In I. Hénault (Ed.), Asperger’s syndrome and sexuality: From adolescence to adulthood. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanfiszer, L., Davies, F., & Collins, S. (2017). ‘I was just so different’: The experiences of women diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in adulthood in relation to gender and social relationships. Autism. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361316687987.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kellaher, D. (2015). Sexual behavior and autism spectrum disorders: An update and discussion. Current Psychiatry Reports,17(4), 562–570. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0562-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nichols, S. (2009). Healthy Sexuality for Girls with ASDs. In S. Nichols, G. M. Moravcik, & P. Tetenbaum (Eds.), Girls growing up on the autism spectrum: What parents and professionals should know about the pre-teen and teenage years (pp. 204–254). London: Jessica Kinglsey Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pask, L., Hughes, L., & Sutton, L. R. (2016). Sexual knowledge acquisition and retention for individuals with autism. International Journal of School & Educational Psychology,4(2), 86–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683603.2016.1130579.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pecora, L. A., Mesibov, G. B., & Stokes, M. A. (2016). Sexuality in high-functioning autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,46(11), 3519–3556. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2892-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peplau, L. A. (2003). Human sexuality: How do men and women differ? Current Directions in Psychological Science,12(2), 37–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8721.01221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petersen, J. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2010). A meta-analytic review of research on gender differences in sexuality, 1993–2007. Psychological Bulletin,136(1), 21–38. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017504.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E. W., Hunter, J., & Braun, L. (2006). Sexual identity development among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths: Consistency and change over time. Journal of Sex Research,43(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490609552298.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, M. A., & Kaur, A. (2005). High-functioning autism and sexuality: A parental perspective. Autism,9(3), 266–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, M., Newton, N., & Kaur, A. (2007). Stalking, and social and romantic functioning among adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,37(10), 1969–1986.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stoner, J. E., & Cramer, R. J. (2017). Sexual violence victimization among college females: A systematic review of rates, barriers, and facilitators of health service utilization on campus. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838017721245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan, A., & Caterino, L. C. (2008). Addressing the sexuality and sex education of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Education and Treatment of Children,31(3), 381–394. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.0.0001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tabachnick, B. G., & Fiddell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2007). Using multivariate statistics (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visser, K., Greaves-Lord, K., Tick, N. T., Verhulst, F. C., Maras, A., & van der Vegt, E. J. M. (2015). Study protocol: A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a psychosexual training program for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. BioMed Central Psychiatry,15(207), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0586-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This study did not receive funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia

    Laura A. Pecora, Grace I. Hancock & Mark A. Stokes

  2. School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA

    Gary B. Mesibov

Authors
  1. Laura A. Pecora
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Grace I. Hancock
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gary B. Mesibov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mark A. Stokes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

LAP and MAS conceived the study and its design. LAP and GIH developed and validated the instrument used to conduct this study. LAP and GIH carried out all data collection and data cleaning procedures. LAP conducted data analysis; wrote all drafts of the manuscript. MAS & GBM supervised development of work; edited, and reviewed all drafts; provided statistical guidance, and verified all statistical methods and results. MAS acted as corresponding author. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mark A. Stokes.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Research Involving Human Participants and/or Animals

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (DUHREC 2014-270), and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Pecora, L.A., Hancock, G.I., Mesibov, G.B. et al. Characterising the Sexuality and Sexual Experiences of Autistic Females. J Autism Dev Disord 49, 4834–4846 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04204-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04204-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation