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

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posted on 2023-08-30, 14:28 authored by Laura Hannah, Steven D. Stagg
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.

History

Refereed

  • Yes

Volume

46

Issue number

12

Page range

3678-3687

Publication title

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

ISSN

1573-3432

Publisher

Springer

File version

  • Accepted version

Language

  • eng

Legacy posted date

2016-10-31

Legacy creation date

2016-10-31

Legacy Faculty/School/Department

ARCHIVED Faculty of Science & Technology (until September 2018)

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