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Can Autistic People Have Sex?

In this blog post, we look into whether autistic people can have sex. We will explain what autism is, then we will unveil the question of whether autistic people can have sex and if their sexual satisfaction differs. Lastly, we will look into whether autistic people can have children and what challenges it might bring.

Frederika Malichová

Author - Frederika Malichová

Neuroscientist at the University Of Cambridge.

Frederika used MediSearch to find sources for this blog.
MediSearch gives instant answers to medical questions based on 30 million scientific articles.

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?

Yes! People with Autism can have sex and also can participate in other sexual activities. In fact, these people can have as enjoyable intimate life as people without. Studies show that individuals with ASD have similar levels of desire for sexual and romantic relationships as people without autism [9, 10]. In addition, individuals with autism report similar levels of sexual satisfaction as people without [9].

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