2022/02/22 by Samantha J. Herrick, Paul A. Datti · 1 citation
Neuroscience · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Autism #Autism Spectrum Disorder Research #Autism spectrum disorder #Demography #Developmental psychology #Disability Rights and Representation #Gender studies #Homosexuality #Human sexuality #Identity (music) #LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy #Population #Psychology #Sex education #Sexual identity #Sexual minority #Sexual orientation #Sexuality education #Social psychology #Sociology
paper · doi:10.1080/15546128.2021.2002225
openalex publication_date 2022/02/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
A common misperception of people with disabilities is that they are unable and/or disinterested in sex; however, research indicates that they express sexual desires and engage in sexual behaviors. Studies about the sexuality of people on the Autism Spectrum (ASD; on the spectrum), however, suggests they receive limited sex education and are more likely than the general population to identify as a sexual minority, making the need for inclusive sex education especially important. This selective review will present the sexual orientation/identity statistics for people on the spectrum, factors proposed that may help explain identity differences and trends, and sex education implications, particularly for those who identify as a sexual minority. Future sex education practice and research recommendations are also provided.