Abstract
IntroductionThe sexual behaviour and development of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been mostly overlooked in research and practice. This study aimed to determine the association between certain clinical and demographic factors found in a sample of children with ASDs, and their reported sexual behaviour (RSB).MethodsThe study was conducted at a school in Gauteng, South Africa, for learners with ASDs. Two questionnaires completed by caregivers/parents enquired about family stability, clinical profile and RSB (if any) in their child. RSB was analysed via three domains: self-care, socio-sexual skills and actual RSB, with additional information from school records.ResultsOf the 107 questionnaires distributed, only 31 parents responded and 24 agreed to participate. The 24 (100%) children included 10 pubertal and 14 pre-pubertal children, of which 18 (n = 18) had more stable primary caregiver statuses as well as more stable socioeconomic and family environments. Two of the 14 pre-pubertal children had abnormal self-care, whereas none of the 10 pubertal children had any abnormal self-care. Eight of the 18 children from more stable environments displayed abnormal sexual behaviours. Of the 6 children from less stable environments, two displayed more abnormal socio-sexual skills, whereas 9 of the 18 children from more stable environments displayed more abnormal sexual behaviour. In contrast with the postulated hypothesis that children from less stable socioeconomic and family environments would exhibit more abnormal sexual behaviours, this study did not find any evidence of such a relationship or association.ConclusionASDs are characterised by deficits in communication and social skills. These may lead to an affected individual struggling to develop appropriate sexual behaviour. If specific risk factors that contribute to the development of abnormal sexual behaviour can be identified, one can try to modify/prevent these where some degree of prevention or alleviation may be possible.
Highlights
The sexual behaviour and development of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been mostly overlooked in research and practice
It was assumed that children/adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) showed little interest in sexuality.[1]
The study was performed at a school, which caters for about 100 learners, that offers specialised education to learners with ASDs aged between 3 and 18 years
Summary
The sexual behaviour and development of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been mostly overlooked in research and practice. Children with ASDs all go through the same process of sexual maturation and development as neurotypical adolescents.[2,3] A survey done by Haracopos and Pederson[4] showed that adolescents with ASDs have the desire to have intimate relationships with others and are interested in sexual behaviour This has been confirmed by other studies and current research indicates a high rate of sexual behaviour among this population.[1,3,4,5,6,7,8]. Reciprocal social interaction and adequate communication skills are essential in the learning and understanding of appropriate sexual behaviour These are exactly the areas in which individuals with ASDs show impairment. The inappropriate sexual behaviours, as well as the caregivers’ lack of knowledge of the sexual development and behaviour of their children with ASDs are of significant concern.[1,2]
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