Usefulness of Sexuality Education for Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder without Intellectual Disabilities
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Date
2022-05
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Little research about the effectiveness of prescribed sexuality education for adolescent individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis without the presence of intellectual disabilities has been published. Common misconceptions and stereotypes portray the idea that autistic individuals do not wish to engage in romantic relationships and previous research continues to dispel this false narrative. To fill this gap, the authors of this research study surveyed adults 18-24 years old who self-disclosed an ASD diagnosis and previously completed a sexuality education class in school during their adolescence. Using data from previously published research, the authors hypothesized that autistic individuals did not learn or retain information related to sexuality education key concepts outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) ((1) relationships, (2), values, rights, culture and sexuality, (3) understanding gender, (4) violence and staying safe, (5) skills for health and well-being, (6) the human body and development, (7) sexuality and sexual behavior, (8) sexual and reproductive health). Through this research study, it was found that individuals who attended a private institution while enrolled in a sexuality education instruction scored statistically lower on the "Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire" than those who attended a public institution.
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Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sexuality Education, Intimacy