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28-08-2019 | Original Paper

Characterising the Sexuality and Sexual Experiences of Autistic Females

Auteurs: Laura A. Pecora, Grace I. Hancock, Gary B. Mesibov, Mark A. Stokes

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 12/2019

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Abstract

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.
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Metagegevens
Titel
Characterising the Sexuality and Sexual Experiences of Autistic Females
Auteurs
Laura A. Pecora
Grace I. Hancock
Gary B. Mesibov
Mark A. Stokes
Publicatiedatum
28-08-2019
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 12/2019
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04204-9