Prevalence and Frequency of Online Sexual Activity by Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

We examined the prevalence and frequency with which cognitively able adults (141 men, 190 women) with autism spectrum disorder (CA-ASD) engaged in a range of online sexual activities (OSAs). Participants completed an online survey that assessed their recent involvement in nonarousal (Information Seeking, Chatting), solitary-arousal (S-OSA), and partnered-arousal (P-OSA) online sexual activities. Almost two thirds had engaged in one or more OSA but, on average, had done so infrequently. There were only a few differences based on sex, age, and sexual identity. Significantly more men than women had engaged in Information Seeking and S-OSA and had done so more frequently. Individuals in their 20s were significantly more likely to have engaged in Information Seeking. Sexual-minority individuals were more likely to report engaging in P-OSA than were heterosexual individuals. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for sexuality education aimed at assisting adults with CA-ASD to establish a healthy and meaningful sexuality.