ERIC Number: EJ1234342
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Dec
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Characterising the Sexuality and Sexual Experiences of Autistic Females
Pecora, Laura A.; Hancock, Grace I.; Mesibov, Gary B.; Stokes, Mark A.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v49 n12 p4834-4846 Dec 2019
Current understandings of the sexuality of autistic females have been predominantly drawn from qualitative studies. This study aimed to quantitatively examine the sexual functioning of autistic females (N = 135), by comparing these to the sexual interest, behaviours, and experiences to 96 autistic males and 161 typically developing females. Autistic females reported less sexual interest, yet more experiences than autistic males. More autistic females also reported engaging in sexual behaviours that were later regretted, unwanted, or receiving unwanted sexual advances. Differences between autistic and typically developing females were significant. Results indicate that due to a mismatch between less sexual interest, yet increased sexual behaviours, autistic women are at greater risk of negative sexual experiences including victimisation and abuse than autistic men.
Descriptors: Sexuality, Autism, Comparative Analysis, Gender Differences, Risk, Victims, Sexual Abuse, Psychological Patterns, Interpersonal Relationship, Females
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A