ERIC Number: EJ1120139
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
Experiences of Sex Education and Sexual Awareness in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hannah, Laura A.; Stagg, Steven D.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v46 n12 p3678-3687 Dec 2016
The research investigated feelings towards sex education and sexual awareness in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Data were generated from the sexual knowledge, experiences, feelings and needs questionnaire (McCabe et al. 1999), the sexual awareness questionnaire (Snell et al. 1991) and semi-structured interviews. Twenty typically developing and 20 ASD individuals participated. Feelings toward sex education did not differ between the groups, but the groups differed significantly on measures of sexual awareness. Negative experiences of sex education and issues of vulnerability, social anxiety, and confused sexuality were prominent features of the qualitative interviews. This report suggest that mainstream sex and relationship education is not sufficient for people with ASD, specific methods and curricular are necessary to match their needs.
Descriptors: Sex Education, Sexuality, Young Adults, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Semi Structured Interviews, Questionnaires, Measures (Individuals), Qualitative Research, Knowledge Level, Anxiety Disorders, Sexual Orientation, Student Needs, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A