Perceptions of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder on How Health Care Providers Address Sexual Health

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: Medical providers report barriers that prevent them from discussing sexual health with patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). No investigations have examined the perspectives of adults with ASD about their sexual health care experiences. Methods: Twenty-five verbal young adults diagnosed with ASD and 40 young adults without ASD participated. An 8-item self-report survey assessed frequency of health care visits, age when sexual health was first discussed, and frequency/content of discussions with providers. Results: The likelihood of discussing sexual health topics did not differ by group, χ2s < 3.25; ps > 0.07, except sexual victimization, which the ASD group reported having discussed less than the non-ASD group (32 vs 9%), χ2 (1, N = 57) = 4.36, p = 0.04. Groups did not differ in their reported comfort level discussing sex/sexual health, having a primary care provider, or frequency of visits. The non-ASD group was significantly more likely to have received sexual health counseling (81%) than ASD group (52%), χ2 (1, N = 58) = 5.33, p = 0.02. Participants in both groups reported having received sexual health information from similar sources except the ASD group was more likely to receive information from parents than the non-ASD group (68% vs 30%), χ2 (1, N = 65) = 8.99, p = 0.003. Conclusion: Participants in the ASD and non-ASD groups reported similar comfort levels with sexual health discussions and access to health providers. Yet, the ASD group received less counseling related to sexual health—particularly sexual victimization screening—suggesting that critical information may be missing. Future studies should determine how to help providers overcome barriers to providing young adults with ASD sexual health aligned with their needs.