Family Sexuality Communication for Adolescent Girls on the Autism Spectrum

Area of Science:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Developmental Psychology
• Sexuality Education

Background:

• Family communication is vital for healthy sexuality and relationship development in autistic youth.
• Understanding family sexuality communication practices is crucial for supporting autistic adolescent girls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe family sexuality communication for adolescent girls with autism.
• To identify factors influencing these communication patterns.

Main Methods:

• Online survey completed by 141 parents of autistic daughters.
• Data collected on sexuality development and communication strategies.

Main Results:

• Most parents relied on verbal discussion, with limited use of visual supports or skills-based teaching.
• Child's intellectual functioning, age, race/ethnicity, and sexual interest influenced communication.
• Basic topics were covered, but nuanced relationship and sexual health topics were often omitted.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for enhanced instructional techniques and resources for family sexuality communication in autism.
• Future research should address diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations (including asexuality/demisexuality), and gender identities (transgender and gender diverse youth).