Experiences of Sex Education and Sexual Awareness in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Hannah, Laura and Stagg, Steven D. (2016) Experiences of Sex Education and Sexual Awareness in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46 (12). pp. 3678-3687. ISSN 1573-3432

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Abstract

The research investigated feelings towards sex education and sexual awareness in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Data were generated from the sexual knowledge, experiences, feelings and needs questionnaire (McCabe et al. 1999), the sexual awareness questionnaire (Snell et al. 1991) and semi-structured interviews. Twenty typically developing and 20 ASD individuals participated. Feelings toward sex education did not differ between the groups, but the groups differed significantly on measures of sexual awareness. Negative experiences of sex education and issues of vulnerability, social anxiety, and confused sexuality were prominent features of the qualitative interviews. This report suggest that mainstream sex and relationship education is not sufficient for people with ASD, specific methods and curricular are necessary to match their needs.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	autism disorder, sex education, sexual awareness, young adults, sexuality
Faculty:	ARCHIVED Faculty of Science & Technology (until September 2018)
Depositing User:	Steven Stagg
Date Deposited:	31 Oct 2016 10:01
Last Modified:	19 Nov 2019 16:42
URI:	https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/701025

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