Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual Minority Identity: Sex Education Implications

A common misperception of people with disabilities is that they are unable and/or disinterested in sex; however, research indicates that they express sexual desires and engage in sexual behaviors. Studies about the sexuality of people on the Autism Spectrum (ASD; on the spectrum), however, suggests they receive limited sex education and are more likely than the general population to identify as a sexual minority, making the need for inclusive sex education especially important. This selective review will present the sexual orientation/identity statistics for people on the spectrum, factors proposed that may help explain identity differences and trends, and sex education implications, particularly for those who identify as a sexual minority. Future sex education practice and research recommendations are also provided.