Bisexuality Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bisexuality, including details on male and female, statistics, trends, psychology.

Sexual behavior in high-functioning male adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Hellemans H, Colson K, Verbraeken C, Vermeiren R, Deboutte D

University Center of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Antwerp, ZNA Middelheim, University of Antwerp, Lindendreef 1, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium, Hans.Hellemans@telenet.be.

Group home caregivers of 24 institutionalized, male, high-functioning adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, were interviewed with the Interview Sexuality Autism. Most subjects were reported to express sexual interest and to display some kind of sexual behavior. Knowledge of socio-sexual skills existed, but practical use was moderate. Masturbation was common. Many subjects were seeking physical contact with others. Half of the sample had experienced a relationship, while three were reported to have had sexual intercourse. The number of bisexual orientations appeared high. Ritual-sexual use of objects and sensory fascinations with a sexual connotation were sometimes present. A paraphilia was present in two subjects. About one third of the group needed intervention regarding sexual development or behavior.

Published 23 February 2007 in J Autism Dev Disord, 37(2): 260-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Bisexuality Research Today. All Rights Reserved.