Background: This systematic review investigated the state of intervention science on programs that promote healthy intimate relationship skills and sexual health for autistic youth (i.e., healthy intimacy). Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2010 or later that enrolled [less than or equal…

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) struggle to gain access to sexual knowledge and experiences. Sexual knowledge increases opportunities for intimacy and positive sexual identities as well as decreases the risk of victimization. This review evaluated the extant literature on sexual education programs for adults with ID. Six studies met…

In this systematic review, we examined quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies on loneliness in autistic adults. A total of 1460 articles were identified, and 34 of these met inclusion criteria. Results demonstrated that (1) there is a paucity of qualitative data providing first-hand descriptions of loneliness from autistic adults; (2)…

Male adolescents have been credited with a significant percentage of sex crimes in recent years. They are a heterogeneous population with offenses spanning the same range found among adult offenders. A lack of interpersonal social skills relevant to intimate relationships and inaccurate knowledge regarding appropriate sexual behaviors contribute…

Examines influences of peer relations on the development of social and cognitive competence. Discusses implications of differences in boys' and girls' play styles for cognitive skills and the development of intimacy. Notes that gender segregation is initiated and maintained within the peer group. (BAC)

Notes that coinciding with recent growth of professional interest in relationship counseling has been emergence of important research on cognitive processes of persons in close relationships. Reviews selected findings from this literature which illuminates attributional, self-evaluation, and self-verification processes of participants in close…

Because social competency is an important element for adolescents' healthy development, a central question is what can be done to help adolescents achieve and maintain social competency. This report details antecedents of two key aspects of social competency: quality social relationships and good social skills. For each social relationship and…