{"id":39949,"date":"2023-01-18T07:48:12","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T06:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=39949"},"modified":"2024-10-30T05:16:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T04:16:11","slug":"autism-and-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/autism-and-sex\/","title":{"rendered":"Autism: Relationships, Sex & Sexuality"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s true that autistic people face certain challenges when it comes to communicating, learning, behaving, and interacting in social interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not just that, but there are challenges in <\/span>sex and relationships<\/span><\/a>. Regardless, this is not to say that an autistic person cannot have a fulfilling sex life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Autism, Sex & Sexuality<\/span><\/h2>\n

The thing about autism is that a person\u2019s brain works in a way that\u2019s different from how <\/span>society<\/span> expects. But every person on the autism spectrum is different. Some may need (more) support than others with their daily tasks, others may need low levels of support, or even no support at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

But because autistic individuals often face difficulties during social interactions, it\u2019s no surprise that they may struggle when it comes to forming relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, before we discuss autism, relationships, sex, and sexuality, let\u2019s look at a brief definition of autism.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Autism?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech, and non-verbal communication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a neurodevelopmental (brain development) condition, and could be a result of disruptions in normal brain growth very early in development. It\u2019s also been shown that, for many people, genetics play a big role. These disruptions affect the brain\u2019s development and regulate how brain cells communicate with each other.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And according to <\/span>2021 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control<\/span><\/a>, one in 44 children are diagnosed with autism in the U.S. It further states that one in 26 boys identify with autism and one in 116 girls identify with autism. It\u2019s important to note that autism is diagnosed on a spectrum. In other words, every autistic person faces their own challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Autism Affect Your Sexual Development?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Autism doesn\u2019t affect one\u2019s sexual development, and does not mean that one cannot find mutually fulfilling relationships that involve intimacy and sex. It also doesn\u2019t mean that an autistic person isn\u2019t interested in sex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, most people on the spectrum want to have <\/span>romantic<\/span> and\/or sexual relationships, and they have the same range of sexual experiences and behaviours as non-autistic people.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication in a Relationship for Those with Autism<\/span><\/h2>\n

When one partner has autism, it can place obstacles when it comes to <\/span>communication<\/span><\/a> and sensory perceptions which, in turn, can influence sexual relationships. When it comes to communication, it may be hard for an autistic person to talk about their sexual wants and <\/span>desires<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithout a firm understanding of how neurodevelopment differences are coming up in a partnership, couples can sometimes believe their partners do not have the best intentions for them or the relationship,\u201d<\/span><\/i> says <\/span>Leslie Sickels<\/span><\/a>, LCSW, a neurodiverse couples therapist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Navigating Sex & Intimacy with an Autistic Partner<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re in a relationship with someone on the autistic spectrum, you can start by learning about your partner and how they experience the world. <\/span>To do this, it may be helpful to:<\/b><\/p>\n