Autism and Sexual Activity
Yes! Individuals with autism spectrum disorder or autism can engage in sexual activities. Similarly to people without autism, they have sexual desires and needs, although these might be expressed differently. It's important to note that, as with all individuals, consent, understanding, and safety are paramount in any sexual activity.
What Is Autism?
Autism, or also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term that describes a group of neurodevelopmental conditions. It is referred to as a spectrum condition because the symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe [1, 2]. These conditions affect people all around the world, regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, or economic background. ASD conditions are characterized by differences in communication a social interaction.
ASD is a lifelong condition. It affects how people interact with the world and how they perceive it [3]. Typically, patients with ASD have restricted and repetitive interests or patterns of behavior.
The main cause of ASD is considered to be genetic. Up to 90% have a genetic component of the disease [4]. However, environmental factors can also play a role [5, 6, 7]. Interestingly, ASD is diagnosed more often in boys than girls according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, they also estimate that 1 in every 54 children is autistic [1, 5, 6, 7]. Due to its prevalence and the disabling consequences it has on cognitive, social, and emotional development, it is recognized as one of the major public health issues [8].
Can People With Autism Have Sex?
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