Sexuality in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Past, Present and Innovative Perspectives

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychiatric Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 July 2023) | Viewed by 11297

Special Issue Editors

Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy
Interests: robotics; neurodevelopmental disorders; autism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Historically, sexuality in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been understood as a taboo, yet neuropsychological and psychiatric studies reveal a multifaceted reconceptualization that emphasizes different facets, including desire, effort/motivation, anticipation and consummatory pleasure. Individuals with ASD are interested in sexual activity and pursuing romantic relationships, although they often lack psychosexual knowledge and engage in risky sexual behaviors. In the last few years, a high rate of problematic sexual behaviors has been described including public masturbation and paraphilic sexual interests. Despite this evidence, until now systematic studies on sexuality in individuals with ASD have been scarce, without clear indication about sexual orientation, gender-related differences and psycho-educational intervention. Moreover, evidence-based methods and therapies, as well as technologies, usually applied in other clinical domains, have never been explored using a translational approach to face any sexuality issues in ASD. This Special Issue is to provide healthcare professionals and interested researchers with clear indications on the latest scientific evidence about the characterization of sexual behaviors in ASD together with the application of innovative perspectives (device, robot, pharmacological) targeting intervention designed specifically for ASD individuals. Papers coming from different fields of studies (neuropsychiatry, psychology, sociology, occupational therapy) are welcome.

Dr. Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Dr. Giovanni Pioggia
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • sexual disfunctions
  • autism spectrum disorders
  • affective science
  • sexual therapies
  • social interactions
  • psychological education

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 212 KiB  
Editorial
Sexual Coach in High-Functioning Autism: A Growing Need
by Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Giovanni Pioggia, Marianna Contrada and Antonio Cerasa
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 964; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12080964 - 22 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3955
Abstract
When individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reach adulthood, they may experience a set of challenges related to sexual health, dating and romantic relationships [...] Full article

Research

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10 pages, 496 KiB  
Article
The Potential Use of Sex Robots in Adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Theoretical Framework
by Fabrizia Pasciuto, Antonia Cava and Alessandra Falzone
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(6), 954; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci13060954 - 15 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1442
Abstract
Although the importance of the sexual sphere for the health of all human beings has been recognized at an international level, often this is underestimated when it comes to disabilities and even more to intellectual disabilities. In fact, the idea that subjects with [...] Read more.
Although the importance of the sexual sphere for the health of all human beings has been recognized at an international level, often this is underestimated when it comes to disabilities and even more to intellectual disabilities. In fact, the idea that subjects with intellectual disabilities are not aware of their bodies and of their wishes in the sexual and emotional field is still widespread in our society, in such a way that they are considered as children in need of constant supervision. Moreover, further hints of criticism that can be raised are about the poor level of sexual education that is dedicated to these subjects, both by family members and by therapists. The last decades have been characterized by a considerable growth in the technological sector and many new instruments have been successfully used in the field of healthcare of weak or disabled subjects. A particularly fruitful branch has been robotics which, in subjects with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), has revealed itself as an excellent support to stimulate communication and develop social skills. As in recent years the field of robotics has also been characterized by a strong interest in the sphere of sexuality, building and implementing what we now define as sex robots or sexbots, it could be interesting to start a debate on the potential that these new generation artificial agents could have in the field of care of subjects with ASD. These robots, possessing a technology based on stimulating verbal and nonverbal interaction, could be useful for an education that is not only sexual but also psycho-emotional in subjects with ASD. Full article
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Review

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14 pages, 331 KiB  
Review
Sex and Sexuality in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review on a Neglected but Fundamental Issue
by Maria Grazia Maggio, Patrizia Calatozzo, Antonio Cerasa, Giovanni Pioggia, Angelo Quartarone and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(11), 1427; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12111427 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4782
Abstract
ASD consists of a set of permanent neurodevelopmental conditions, which are studded with social and communication differences, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with ASD have difficulty reading eye gestures and expressions, and may also have stereotyped or repetitive language, excessive adherence to [...] Read more.
ASD consists of a set of permanent neurodevelopmental conditions, which are studded with social and communication differences, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with ASD have difficulty reading eye gestures and expressions, and may also have stereotyped or repetitive language, excessive adherence to routines, fixed interests, and rigid thinking. However, sexuality in adolescents and young adults with ASD is still a poorly studied and neglected issue. This review aims to evaluate sexual function and behavior in individuals with ASD to foster a greater understanding of this important, although often overlooked, issue. This review was conducted by searching peer-reviewed articles published between 01 June 2000 and 31 May 2022 using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science. A comprehensive search was conducted using the terms: “Autism” OR “ASD” AND “Sexuality” OR “Romantic relation” OR “sexual behavior” AND/OR “sexual awareness”. After an accurate revision of 214 full manuscripts, 11 articles satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. This review found that, although individuals with ASD may have sexual functioning, their sexuality is characterized by higher prevalence rates of gender dysphoria and inappropriate sexual behavior. Furthermore, sexual awareness is reduced in this patient population, and the prevalence of other variants of sexual orientation (i.e., homosexuality, asexuality, bisexuality, etc.) is higher in adolescents with ASD than in non-autistic peers. Sexual health and education should be included in the care path of patients with ASD in order to improve their quality of life and avoid/reduce inappropriate and risky behaviors. Full article
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