Adolescent Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder Growing Up: Follow-Up of Self-Reported Sexual Experience

Systematic research on sexual development in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains scant, notwithstanding the often-suggested relation between ASD, atypical, and even sexually offensive behaviours. 

This study compared follow-up data related to lifetime sexual experience (LTSE) in a homogeneous group of adolescent boys with ASD (n = 30), aged 16-20, with a matched group of boys in the general population (n = 60). Most boys in the ASD and control groups reported masturbation and having experienced an orgasm. 

The proportion of boys with ASD that had no partnered sexual experience was larger than in the control group. This difference was mostly explained by significantly fewer boys with ASD, compared with controls, who reported experience with kissing and petting; no significant differences emerged relating to more intimate partnered sexual experiences. The results suggest the existence of a subgroup of boys who have not (yet) entered the arena of partnered sexual experiences-a finding in line with research in adult samples. 

There were no differences relating to sexual abuse or coercion. Exploration of the partnered experiences revealed a variety of types of partners, mostly of comparable age. Several boys with ASD had not anticipated their sexual debut. Although they felt ready for it, some boys reported regret afterward. 

The hypothesised sexual developmental trajectories are subject to further research, but the sexual experience in this sample and the assumed developmental differences indicate the need for early, attuned, and comprehensive sexuality-related education and communication.

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/e5qXxa

By:  Dewinter J1,2, Vermeiren R3,4, Vanwesenbeeck I5,6, Van Nieuwenhuizen C7,8.

• 1Scientific Centre for Care and Welfare (Tranzo), Tilburg University, PO Box 90153 (T618), 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands. jeroen.dewinter@antwerpen.be.
• 2GGzE Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, PO Box 909 (DP1104), 5600 AX, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. jeroen.dewinter@antwerpen.be.
• 3Curium-LUMC, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO box 15, 2300 AA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
• 4Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU Medical Centre Amsterdam, PO Box 303, 1115 ZG, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands.
• 5Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
• 6Rutgers, PO Box 9022, 3506 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
• 7Scientific Centre for Care and Welfare (Tranzo), Tilburg University, PO Box 90153 (T618), 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
• 8GGzE Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, PO Box 909 (DP1104), 5600 AX, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. 
• Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016 Jan 20.

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